Harris Lab

In Pursuit of Synapse Structure and Function...

The Laboratory of Synapse Structure and Function investigates the structural basis of learning and memory, synapse development, and the ultrastructure of synaptic plasticity using in vivo and in vitro preparations, hippocampal slice physiology, serial section transmission electron microscopy, and 3D reconstruction.

Current Lab Members at UT Austin

	P.I.: Kristen M. Harris, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Neuroscience Center for Learning and Memory Institute for Neuroscience The University of Texas at Austin kharris@utexas.edu Kristen has served on the faculty of the Harvard Medical School, Boston University, and the Medical College of Georgia. She has been a Professor at UT Austin since 2006. More info and CV
	John Mendenhall, MA Research Scientist jmenden@mail.utexas.edu John joined Kristen Harris's new lab at UT in 2006. His main responsibilities in the lab are tissue preparations, multi-dimensional imaging, visualization, and analysis.
	Masaaki (Masa) Kuwajima, Ph.D. Research Scientist masa@mail.clm.utexas.edu Masa uses electron microscopy methods to investigate how nanoscale structures of brain cells underlie their functions like learning and how they change during aging. He also serves as a mentor to many students in the lab (and beyond) and is a professional photographer. More info
	Lyndsey Kirk, Ph.D. Research Associate lyndskirk@utexas.edu Lyndsey is primarily interested in how synapses change with cognitive decline in aging. She uses a combination of animal behavior, genetics, physiology, and 3DEM to study the ultrastructural changes of synapses, astroglia, and subcellular organelles that occur and may contribute to loss of cognitive ability.
	Olga Ostrovskaya, Ph.D. Research Scientist islandsky@utexas.edu Olga's specialty is in electrophysiology. Her current focus is the dynamics of neuronal ultrastructure in the context of learning and memory across different developmental stages.
	Andrea Nam Graduate Student
	Myles Joyce Graduate Student
	Patrick Parker Research Assistant / Course Specialist patrickparker@utexas.edu Patrick assists in the 3D reconstruction of dendrites, with a focus on quantifying synapses and creating lab protocols to teach best uses of Reconstruct. He acts as the SynapseWeb administrator and Course Specialist for Prof. Harris's class.
	Dusten Hubbard Research Assistant dusten@utexas.edu Dusten aids in the 3D reconstruction and quantification of dendrites, axons, and other neuropil objects. His focuses are data collection, analysis, and developmental testing of new computational tools used in the lab.
	Weiling Yin, Ph.D. Research Engineering/Scientist Professional
	Ashley Alario Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant
	Vijay Venu Thiyagarajan Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant
	Michael Chirillo, M.D., Ph.D. Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant
	Julian Falco Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant
	Tom Middendorf, Ph.D. Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant
	Anna-Maria E. Escherich, MS, PMP Project Manager/Lab Manager amescherich@austin.utexas.edu Anna-Maria is actively involved with the oversight of the NeuroNex NSF grant, as well as other NIH-awarded grants in the Harris Lab. In addition, Anna-Maria is involved in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the lab.