Neurosciences

Program affiliation
Cancer Biology
Neurosciences
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Biomedical Informatics and Data Science

Research summary
Dr. Eduardo Rosa-Molinar is an interdisciplinary scientist whose research integrates cell biology, neuroscience, imaging science, spectroscopy, instrumentation, method and reagent development, and quantitative image analysis to study synapses—the specialized connections that enable neurons to communicate. His work focuses on elucidating the three-dimensional nanoscale geometry, molecular diversity, and chemical organization of these connections. His group integrates multi-scale, multi-modal imaging with analytical techniques, including micro–X-ray fluorescence (µXRF), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman spectroscopy, to advance metallomics in synapse research. Through academic, industry, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, the lab integrates structural, molecular, and elemental data to better understand the complexity of neural communication. Dr. Rosa-Molinar is also committed to mentoring and to inclusive workforce development. He trains students, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff to work across disciplines, emphasizing scientific rigor, collaboration, a sense of belonging, and career advancement in interdisciplinary research.

Key words

Program affiliation
Neurosciences

Research summary
Cellular mechanisms underlying our systems of sound and balance encoding in development, in maturity, and in pathology of hearing or vestibular function

Key words
cochlea, neurodegeneration, synapse, excitotoxicity, encoding sound

Program affiliation
Immunology
Neurosciences
Biomedical Informatics and Data Science

Research summary
Adaptive immune responses in neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric diseases

Key words
Neuroimmunology, Autoimmunity, T cell receptors, Antigens

Program affiliation
Neurosciences
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Computational and Systems Biology

Research summary
Intersection between visceral sensation, organ function, and emotions

Key words
Visceral Pain, Genomics, Neural Circuits, Emotions

Program affiliation
Molecular Cell Biology
Neurosciences
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology

Research summary
Interactions between the nervous system and the skeleton

Key words
bone, diabetes, nerve, neuropathy, neuroskeletal biology, obesity, metabolism, adipose tissue, adipocyte, high-resolution imaging, advanced quantification, RNAseq, regeneration, healing

Program affiliation
Neurosciences

Research summary
Our laboratory develops and validates blood and CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer disease and related disorders

Key words
biomarkers, Alzheimer disease, dementia, diagnostic tests, cognition

Program affiliation
Neurosciences

Research summary
Neuroimaging studies of sensory processing and atypical sensory responding in children

Key words
functional MRI, development, anxiety, autism, sensory

Program affiliation
Neurosciences

Research summary
Development and use of advanced optical microscopy solutions for preclinical imaging studies in brain and beyond

Key words
optical microscopy, neuroimaging, biomedical optics, oxygenation, neurovascular coupling, cerebral energetics

Program affiliation
Biochemistry Biophysics and Structural Biology
Neurosciences

Research summary
Design and Development of Small Organics and Metalloprobes for Radiological Molecular Imaging in Biomedical Science

Key words
Molecular Imaging, PET and SPECT Agents, Myocardial Perfusion, Alzheimer`s Disease, Multidrug Resistance

Program affiliation
Neurosciences
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
We use zebrafish as a model for human hearing and balance with the goal of protecting and repairing inner ears from damage.

Key words
zebrafish, sensory neuroscience, hearing, balance, synaptic physiology, regeneration