Department News

Cognitive maps help us understand where we are, and remember how to navigate the world. For example, your brain (specifically, your hippocampus) has a map of your home – where tofind the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom, and so on. But it’s also important for your mental map to include the locations of things you […]

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting Sept. 25, several faculty members were promoted or granted tenure, effective that day, including Thomas J. Papouin, associate professor of neuroscience at WashU Medicine.

Eduardo Rosa-Molinar, PhD, a professor of cell biology and physiology, and of neuroscience at WashU Medicine, has received prestigious honors from two scientific societies: the American Society for Cell Biology, which named him a 2026 fellow, and the Histochemical Society, which named him the 2026 recipient of the Anna-Mary Carpenter and Ellen M. Rasch Award. These honors recognize Rosa-Molinar’s scientific excellence, mentorship and research in cellular imaging.

New research from Jason Yi, PhD, assistant professor of neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has found in mice that the missing UBE3A gene is the first domino in a biological sequence that leads to a normally harmless enzyme accumulating in the brain. The buildup is not harmful on its own but appears to have indirect effects that ultimately impair brain growth.

WashU faculty, trainees, researchers, and staff are invited to participate in the Brain Development & Disorders Symposium on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building. This internal symposium will bring together investigators from WashU and invited speakers from institutions around the world to explore […]

Hayoung Song, Ph.D., has completed her post-doctoral fellowship through the Center for Theoretical & Computational Neuroscience (CTCN) at Washington University, and accepted a faculty position at the University of Texas at Austin beginning in August 2026. This fall, as an assistant professor of psychology, her focus will be on starting her own research lab and […]

Hysell Oviedo, PhD, a neuroscientist uncovering how the brain interprets sound and language, has been installed as a Roger M. Perlmutter Career Development Assistant Professor at WashU Medicine.

Valeria Cavalli, PhD, was honored at the Geneva Chemistry & Biochemistry Days in January 2026, where she received the Jaubert Award for her contributions to understanding the molecular basis for neuronal regeneration. The Jaubert award is given every two years and recognizes the work of alumni of the University of Geneva, where Cavalli graduated from […]

Professor of neuroscience Karen O’Malley, PhD, has been named a 2025 Honorary Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This incredible honor recognizes O’Malley’s overall contributions to the scientific community and the impact of her research on science as a whole. “I was surprised and honored when I learned that I […]

Linda Richards, PhD, was honored at the 2026 Australia Day Gala in January for her outstanding contributions to science and higher education. The gala was held at the Embassy of Australia in Washington D.C., where Richards was recognized alongside eight other Australians living in the United States whose work drives meaningful impact across disciplines and […]

Alex Taylor, Ph.D., assistant professor of anatomy in neuroscience, has been awarded the Helen Lamb Outstanding Didactic Instructor Award. Taylor received this award to recognize his excellent contributions to training nurse anesthetists at a special ceremony during the Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing commencement in December 2025. Of the eight awards presented at this […]

Dr. Yao Chen’s research focuses on how chemical signals in the brain shape behavior, learning, and sleep. Using advanced imaging techniques, her work uncovers how neuromodulators influence neural circuits and links molecular signaling to brain function and disease. She is also a dedicated mentor and educator, training the next generation of neuroscientists. Read the full […]

Anthony Pappas, Ph. D., has been awarded the Stanley Lang Teacher of the Year Award. Pappas joined the department as an education-track faculty member in June 2025 and, in a short period of only nine months, has already made a significant impact on the training of future physicians. As an assistant professor of anatomy in […]

New paper from Harrison Gabel’s Lab in collaboration with Tristan Li’s lab (Genetics) which could have broad implications for studies on brain development, aging and neurodegeneration.

Amy Bauernfeind, PhD, was honored with the Academy of Educators’ Exemplary Educator Award, and Krikor Dikranian, MD, PhD, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the academy.

Kia Barclay of the Li Lab has been selected as a recipient of the Provost’s Graduate Student Research Excellence Award.

Joonas Autio, PhD, an assistant professor of neuroscience and radiology, has over 15 years of experience in comparative magnetic resonance imaging.

A group of researchers from the McKelvey School of Engineering and the Kepecs Lab has created a new kind of fiber-optic device to manipulate neural activity deep in the brain.