Dr. Suli’s research focuses in understanding the development and formation of neurocircuits at the genetic and molecular level. There are two main projects in the lab: 1. Understanding the formation of synapses in mechanosensory hair cells, the specialized sensory cells that mediate hearing and balance in mammals and are additionally used in fish and amphibians as part of the lateral line sensory system to detect prey and predators. 2. Identification and development of neurons in the midbrain that receive and integrate inputs from multiple sensory systems, such visual, auditory and somatosensory, and which coordinate appropriate motor response to external stimuli.
Research Interests
Our lab uses the zebrafish model organism to study the mechanisms that oversee proper development and formation of neural circuits. Of particular interest is the development and innervation of mechanosensory hair cells of the lateral line system. Hair cells are specialized sensory cells that mediate hearing and balance in mammals and are additionally used as part of the lateral line system in fish and amphibians to detect prey and predators, to perform rheotaxis etc. A second project in the lab focuses on understanding the development of neurons that receive and coordinate input from multiple sensory systems. Multisensory neurons can be affected in individuals with neurological disorders such as autism, dyslexia etc. Our lab uses optogenetic techniques to study these neurons.
Teaching Interests
PDBIO482, Developmental Biology
Education
- PhD, Neurobiology and Anatomy , University of Utah (2007)
- BS, Microbiology , Brigham Young University (1999)
Memberships
- Association for Research in Otolaryngology (2018 - Present)
- International Zebrafish Society (2018 - Present)
- The Genetics Society of America (2016 - Present)
- Society for Developmental Biology (2015 - Present)
- Society for Neuroscience (2003 - Present)