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Newly opened Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building dedicated

Celebration signals ‘new era for medical science’

by Elizabethe Holland Durando • January 25, 2024

One of the world’s largest neuroscience research buildings, and the many scientists who will conduct research there, were celebrated in a dedication ceremony Thursday, Jan. 18, on the Washington University Medical Campus. Also celebrated was the 11-story building’s new name: the Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building, in recognition of a gift from Fort, a longtime supporter of the university.

Dozens of noted scientists, philanthropists, and university, state and local leaders gathered Thursday, Jan. 18, to celebrate the dedication of one of the world’s largest neuroscience research buildings, a gleaming state-of-the-art facility on the Washington University Medical Campus.

They toured its sophisticated, newly christened labs; listened intently as Washington University scientists described the lifesaving work they aim to accomplish there; and absorbed inspirational words detailing the people, history and hopes behind the massive 609,000-square-foot, 11-story building.

“I see this building as the ultimate statement of our school, our university, our city, our state — that here in this place, in St Louis, at the Gateway to the West, the most important advances in understanding the brain will happen,” David H. Perlmutter, MD, the George and Carol Bauer Dean of Washington University School of Medicine, told the gathering.

Those attending also celebrated the glistening structure’s brand-new name: the Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building, in recognition of a generous gift from Fort, a longtime supporter of the university. The name was a surprise announcement at the event, as was news of the building’s freshly titled McDonnell Lobby, following a gift from James and Elizabeth McDonnell. Members of the Fort and McDonnell families were present for the dedication. Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced the gifts and thanked the families for their profound, ongoing support.

“We could not have attempted such a project without extraordinary help,” Martin said.

“As we dedicate this building, we stand on the threshold of a new era for medical science and a new era of catalytic impact for WashU Medicine,” the chancellor said. “The research conducted in this building will help the patients we serve and will unlock principles fundamental to the workings of the nervous system. Our understanding of those principles will lead to new therapies, new diagnostic tools and new drugs that can improve the lives of people around the globe.

“WashU’s reputation for excellence in neuroscience is already well known, but this building and the research that we will conduct here will mobilize our expertise in ways never before seen, making discoveries at the frontier of brain science to alleviate suffering and cure diseases once seen as incurable and intractable.”

To read more about neurosciences and the new building at Washington University, read our extensive coverage in Outlook magazine.

Some of those gathered for the dedication have had personal experience with diseases of the brain and the suffering they cause.

Among them was Fort and his sister, Liz Dorr, the latter of whom expressed gratitude at the gathering for the Washington University physicians who had helped her brother through two major medical challenges — one involving his eyesight, and the second involving a rare, life-threatening condition that caused bleeding in his brain. Addressing Fort directly during her remarks, Dorr said that their mother, who died 6½ years ago, would be extremely proud of him for his contributions to the school, and congratulated the university community on its new, deeply meaningful building.

“What a gift to St. Louis, as it represents hope to so many families,” she said.

Perlmutter also noted his own family’s experience. “Nothing has been more heartbreaking for me and my sisters than watching the effects of neurodegeneration on our mother,” shared the dean, who is also executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor.

“This is a common story that I know many of you have experienced, and mine is far from the most tragic. Each of you has a story of a once-vibrant person in your life or has experienced a loved one struggle with addiction or depression or commit suicide,” Perlmutter continued. “For most of human history these experiences have been problems without solutions and some without even a name, and they continue to have a devastating ripple effect on all of us. Solving these problems, as we must, takes the sharpest of minds, significant resources, and creative strategies to promote collaboration, and that is precisely what this incredible new building is about.”

The university invested $616 million to construct the building and broke ground in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. It sits at 4370 Duncan Ave., on the eastern edge of the Medical Campus and in the 200-acre Cortex Innovation District, a nationally recognized innovation and technology hub that also is home to a number of biotech startups founded by Washington University faculty. Investment in the neuroscience research building was spurred by the expectation that it will become one of the nation’s premier neuroscience research hubs and that situating it in Cortex will create synergy with the many entrepreneurs and startup companies there, helping to commercialize Washington University discoveries.

“This building will not just change the way WashU does neuroscience; we expect it to radically change the trajectory of neuroscience research and its impact,” Andrew M. Bursky, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, told those gathered at the dedication. “We have made this investment in scientific infrastructure, because we believe that it is critical to solving some of the most urgent problems of human health and longevity.”

The building was specifically designed to foster collaboration. Scientists from some 120 research teams that previously were located in 16 different locations on the Medical Campus now work in the same building, uniting experts in neurology, neuroscience, neurosurgery, psychiatry, anesthesiology, radiology, genetics and developmental biology. The building is organized by research themes, including brain tumor biology, psychiatric illness, pain, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“Choosing to pursue my PhD at Washington University has been one of the wisest decisions I have made thus far in my academic career,” said Kia Barclay, a Washington University PhD student studying neuroscience. “I have learned that successful mentorship can be fostered in manners we least expect, and meaningful scientific advancements can be inspired by people with whom we never thought we would interact. While I was initially overwhelmed by the thought of relocating lab space in the middle of my training, moving to the neuroscience research building has made these organic and unexpected interactions a regular occurrence.”

Bhooma Aravamuthan, MD, DPhil, an assistant professor of neurology and of pediatrics, said the building is a draw for early-career scientists such as herself.

“The new building provides a serendipity of geography, meaning it makes it easier to walk to another researcher’s office to ask for advice or to talk with another researcher about collaborating,” said Aravamuthan, whose research focus is on pediatric movement disorders. “The medical school already has a strong, supportive community, but the building makes it even more so.”

Translating the findings that stem from such collaborations not only will culminate in real-life clinical applications, Bursky explained, but will help St. Louis’ future economic health, too. “Developing commercially viable therapeutics and technologies will play a key role in regional growth,” he said.

Bursky invited Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who spoke at the dedication, to feel free to use the neuroscience research building as a source of “bragging rights” at the next meeting of the National Governors Association.

“I will,” Parson responded when his turn at the podium came. “Make no mistake about it.”

Any such boasting appears likely to extend beyond governors’ meetings. Parson spoke of his travels overseas to boost Missouri’s profile to benefit the state.

“I try to get people to come here, whether it be (for) research, whether it be businesses, whether it be technology,” he said. “We’re going to have the world’s best in St. Louis, Missouri, doing research at Washington University. I tell you, that is a recruiting tool that is a blessing for this entire state. … And when you think of all the good things that are going on in St. Louis and this region, in almost every aspect, we should all be very proud to be here today at this moment for what we’re doing, because we’re now going to lead the world in neuroscience research.”

Perlmutter said he refers to the School of Medicine as “one mission, one team — brilliant people, purpose-driven, working together on what I have called the virtuous cycle of academic medicine … that virtuous cycle in which we provide the best possible medical care for today while at the same time relentlessly pursuing improvements through the best possible research investments, through the best possible education and training programs.

“These are our expressions of the belief that science can produce lasting improvements in promoting the health of our community,” he explained. “And this building is a testament to our belief in that cycle and in our team and in our mission.”

Senior medical sciences writer Kristina Sauerwein contributed to this story.

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Operations & Facilities

Planning & Projects

Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building

The Washington University School of Medicine Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building (NRB), located at 4370 Duncan Avenue, is a state-of-the-art, 609,000 square foot facility that represents a new center of gravity for the campus. This facility enables the strategic alignment and co-location of the School of Medicine’s nationally-recognized program strengths in neuroscience, neurology, and psychiatry through research and its applications to education and clinical practice.

The building includes a 1,846-car parking garage, which assists in meeting the School of Medicine’s parking needs through 2026. There is a pedestrian connection (link) through the St. Louis Children’s Hospital garage to this new building. The baseline program includes approximately 900 employees and once the shell space is fully built out, will include approximately 1,350 employees.

Related street widening and traffic improvements have been made along Newstead Avenue and Duncan as part of a separate project.

The NRB is a private building that does not provide building tours or event space for external groups. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Rockwell-Hopkins or Jamie Ryan .

SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION

Phased occupancy from July 2023 to December 2023

PROJECT TEAM

Cannon Design – architect Perkins+Will – architect Cannon Design/AEI – engineer McCarthy Construction – general contractor

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE CORE TEAM

Project Executive: Melissa Rockwell-Hopkins Executive Project Manager: Steve Sobo Construction Manager: Mitch Snyder Space Programming: Mariah Harris Laboratory Design & Project Activation Leader: David Lott Specialty Spaces Planning, Project Management & Activation: David Lott & Steve Sobo Project Communication & Project Assistant: Stephanie Maples FF&E, Interior & Relocation Planning: Hannah Jefferies Activation & Logistics: Raema Howell Shared & Public Spaces: Lacey Luitjohan & Lauren Hurt

OFMD Support Team

NRB Executive Director: David Lott NRB Building Manager: Amanda Corgan

NRB Facilities & Events Coordinator: Sherina Watts Front Desk & Events Coordinator: Mary Hammett Facilities Maintenance Technicians: Shannon Mullins & Michael Davis 2nd Shift Custodial Supervisor: Patrick Shumway 1st Shift Senior Custodian: Cindy Oggesen Facilities Maintenance Supervisor: John Atkins Audiovisual Technician I: BJ Kraiberg Transportation & Parking Facilities Coordinator: Jonas Tshimpanga & Robert Stewart Mail & Receiving Services Team Lead: Ron Wilkins NRB Receiving/Delivery Clerk: JaMee Reed

Resources & communications

NRB Progress Update Video Presentation

Frequently Asked Questions

NRB Exterior Mockup Photos

NRB Fact Sheet

Sustainability Update Presentations & Reports

Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI)

The Source (12/3/2020) “Construction Progresses on Neuroscience Research Building”

The Record (10/1/2021) “Construction of Neuroscience Building preserves despite pandemic”

The Source (3/6/2020) “Washington University to break ground on major neuroscience research hub”

The Source (4/19/2022) “Where’s Waldo?”

KSDK (8/10/2022) “Final Beam put in place on new Neuroscience Research Building at WashU School of Medicine”

St. Louis Business Journal (8/11/2022) “Washington University reaches milestone on $616M Neuroscience Research Building”

The Record (08/24/2022) “Diversity, equity, inclusion a pillar of Neuroscience Research Building”

ENRMidwest (9/12/2022) “Squeezing Research Center Into Tight St. Louis Site”

CNR(09/2022) “Large St. Louis Projects Evidence Power of Robotics”

CNR(10/2022)”Neuroscience Research Building to Emerge as Among World’s Largest”

The Source (1/10/2023)”Sustainability key focus in Neuroscience Research Building construction”

ENRMidwest (03/13/2023) “Washington University School of Medicine spearheads new projects”

The Record (12/13/2023) “Neurosciences on the rise”

The Record (1/25/2024) “Newly open Jeffery T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building dedicated”

REJournals (5/23/24) McCarthy’s milestone in St. Louis: 609,000-square-foot facility ranks as one of largest neuroscience projects in the country

The Source (8/22/2024) “Fort Neuroscience Research Building earns LEED Gold”

• Gary C. Werths Building at Siteman Cancer Center
• BJC Institute of Health Vertical Expansion
• Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building Occupant Guide
• St. Louis Children’s Hospital Child Development Center at the Taylor Avenue Building

Newly opened Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building dedicated

Celebration signals ‘new era for medical science’

(Video: Huy Mach/School of Medicine)

Dozens of noted scientists, philanthropists, and university, state and local leaders gathered Jan. 18 to celebrate the dedication of one of the world’s largest neuroscience research buildings, a gleaming state-of-the-art facility on the Washington University Medical Campus.

They toured its sophisticated, newly christened labs; listened intently as Washington University scientists described the lifesaving work they aim to accomplish there; and absorbed inspirational words detailing the people, history and hopes behind the massive 609,000-square-foot, 11-story building.

“I see this building as the ultimate statement of our school, our university, our city, our state — that here in this place, in St. Louis, at the Gateway to the West, the most important advances in understanding the brain will happen,” David H. Perlmutter, MD, the George and Carol Bauer Dean of Washington University School of Medicine, told the gathering.

Those attending also celebrated the glistening structure’s brand-new name: the Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building, in recognition of a generous gift from Fort, a longtime supporter of the university. The name was a surprise announcement at the event, as was news of the building’s freshly titled McDonnell Lobby, following a gift from James and Elizabeth McDonnell. Members of the Fort and McDonnell families were present for the dedication. Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced the gifts and thanked the families for their profound, ongoing support.

“We could not have attempted such a project without extraordinary help,” Martin said.

“As we dedicate this building, we stand on the threshold of a new era for medical science and a new era of catalytic impact for WashU Medicine,” the chancellor said. “The research conducted in this building will help the patients we serve and will unlock principles fundamental to the workings of the nervous system. Our understanding of those principles will lead to new therapies, new diagnostic tools and new drugs that can improve the lives of people around the globe.

“WashU’s reputation for excellence in neuroscience is already well known, but this building and the research that we will conduct here will mobilize our expertise in ways never before seen, making discoveries at the frontier of brain science to alleviate suffering and cure diseases once seen as incurable and intractable.”

To read more about neurosciences and the new building at Washington University, read our extensive coverage in  Outlook magazine.

Some of those gathered for the dedication have had personal experience with diseases of the brain and the suffering they cause.

Among them was Fort and his sister, Liz Dorr, the latter of whom expressed gratitude at the gathering for the Washington University physicians who had helped her brother through two major medical challenges — one involving his eyesight, and the second involving a rare, life-threatening condition that caused bleeding in his brain. Addressing Fort directly during her remarks, Dorr said that their mother, who died 6½ years ago, would be extremely proud of him for his contributions to the school, and congratulated the university community on its new, deeply meaningful building.

“What a gift to St. Louis, as it represents hope to so many families,” she said.

Perlmutter also noted his own family’s experience. “Nothing has been more heartbreaking for me and my sisters than watching the effects of neurodegeneration on our mother,” shared the dean, who is also executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor.

“This is a common story that I know many of you have experienced, and mine is far from the most tragic. Each of you has a story of a once-vibrant person in your life or has experienced a loved one struggle with addiction or depression or commit suicide,” Perlmutter continued. “For most of human history these experiences have been problems without solutions and some without even a name, and they continue to have a devastating ripple effect on all of us. Solving these problems, as we must, takes the sharpest of minds, significant resources, and creative strategies to promote collaboration, and that is precisely what this incredible new building is about.”

The university invested $616 million to construct the building and broke ground in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. It sits at 4370 Duncan Ave., on the eastern edge of the Medical Campus and in the 200-acre Cortex Innovation District, a nationally recognized innovation and technology hub that also is home to a number of biotech startups founded by Washington University faculty. Investment in the neuroscience research building was spurred by the expectation that it will become one of the nation’s premier neuroscience research hubs and that situating it in Cortex will create synergy with the many entrepreneurs and startup companies there, helping to commercialize Washington University discoveries.

“This building will not just change the way WashU does neuroscience; we expect it to radically change the trajectory of neuroscience research and its impact,” Andrew M. Bursky, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, told those gathered at the dedication. “We have made this investment in scientific infrastructure, because we believe that it is critical to solving some of the most urgent problems of human health and longevity.”

The building was specifically designed to foster collaboration. Scientists from some 120 research teams that previously were located in 16 different locations on the Medical Campus now work in the same building, uniting experts in neurology, neuroscience, neurosurgery, psychiatry, anesthesiology, radiology, genetics and developmental biology. The building is organized by research themes, including brain tumor biology, psychiatric illness, pain, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“Choosing to pursue my PhD at Washington University has been one of the wisest decisions I have made thus far in my academic career,” said Kia Barclay, a Washington University PhD student studying neuroscience. “I have learned that successful mentorship can be fostered in manners we least expect, and meaningful scientific advancements can be inspired by people with whom we never thought we would interact. While I was initially overwhelmed by the thought of relocating lab space in the middle of my training, moving to the neuroscience research building has made these organic and unexpected interactions a regular occurrence.”

Bhooma Aravamuthan, MD, DPhil, an assistant professor of neurology and of pediatrics, said the building is a draw for early-career scientists such as herself.

“The new building provides a serendipity of geography, meaning it makes it easier to walk to another researcher’s office to ask for advice or to talk with another researcher about collaborating,” said Aravamuthan, whose research focus is on pediatric movement disorders. “The medical school already has a strong, supportive community, but the building makes it even more so.”

Translating the findings that stem from such collaborations not only will culminate in real-life clinical applications, Bursky explained, but will help St. Louis’ future economic health, too. “Developing commercially viable therapeutics and technologies will play a key role in regional growth,” he said.

Bursky invited Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who spoke at the dedication, to feel free to use the neuroscience research building as a source of “bragging rights” at the next meeting of the National Governors Association.

“I will,” Parson responded when his turn at the podium came. “Make no mistake about it.”

Any such boasting appears likely to extend beyond governors’ meetings. Parson spoke of his travels overseas to boost Missouri’s profile to benefit the state.

“I try to get people to come here, whether it be (for) research, whether it be businesses, whether it be technology,” he said. “We’re going to have the world’s best in St. Louis, Missouri, doing research at Washington University. I tell you, that is a recruiting tool that is a blessing for this entire state. … And when you think of all the good things that are going on in St. Louis and this region, in almost every aspect, we should all be very proud to be here today at this moment for what we’re doing, because we’re now going to lead the world in neuroscience research.”

Perlmutter said he refers to the School of Medicine as “one mission, one team — brilliant people, purpose-driven, working together on what I have called the virtuous cycle of academic medicine … that virtuous cycle in which we provide the best possible medical care for today while at the same time relentlessly pursuing improvements through the best possible research investments, through the best possible education and training programs.

“These are our expressions of the belief that science can produce lasting improvements in promoting the health of our community,” he explained. “And this building is a testament to our belief in that cycle and in our team and in our mission.”

Senior medical sciences writer Kristina Sauerwein contributed to this story.

Originally published on the  School of Medicine website .

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Office of Neuroscience Research

Newly opened Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building dedicated

Dozens of noted scientists, philanthropists, and university, state and local leaders gathered Jan. 18 to celebrate the dedication of one of the world’s largest neuroscience research buildings, a gleaming state-of-the-art facility on the Washington University Medical Campus.

They toured its sophisticated, newly christened labs; listened intently as Washington University scientists described the lifesaving work they aim to accomplish there; and absorbed inspirational words detailing the people, history and hopes behind the massive 609,000-square-foot, 11-story building.

“I see this building as the ultimate statement of our school, our university, our city, our state — that here in this place, in St. Louis, at the Gateway to the West, the most important advances in understanding the brain will happen,” David H. Perlmutter, MD, the George and Carol Bauer Dean of Washington University School of Medicine, told the gathering.

Those attending also celebrated the glistening structure’s brand-new name: the Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building, in recognition of a generous gift from Fort, a longtime supporter of the university. The name was a surprise announcement at the event, as was news of the building’s freshly titled McDonnell Lobby, following a gift from James and Elizabeth McDonnell. Members of the Fort and McDonnell families were present for the dedication. Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced the gifts and thanked the families for their profound, ongoing support.

“We could not have attempted such a project without extraordinary help,” Martin said.

“As we dedicate this building, we stand on the threshold of a new era for medical science and a new era of catalytic impact for WashU Medicine,” the chancellor said. “The research conducted in this building will help the patients we serve and will unlock principles fundamental to the workings of the nervous system. Our understanding of those principles will lead to new therapies, new diagnostic tools and new drugs that can improve the lives of people around the globe.

“WashU’s reputation for excellence in neuroscience is already well known, but this building and the research that we will conduct here will mobilize our expertise in ways never before seen, making discoveries at the frontier of brain science to alleviate suffering and cure diseases once seen as incurable and intractable.”

Read more .

Advancing Neuroscience

The Building

Fully dedicated to neuroscience, the Neuroscience Research Building on the Medical Campus brings together people and resources in a nexus for impactful discovery and training.

11 stories | 609,000 ft2 | 120+ research teams

Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building opens

The Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building was dedicated on the Washington University Medical Campus on Jan. 18, 2024, named in recognition of a generous gift from Fort, a longtime supporter of the university.

Read about the building’s dedication »

“You take all of these people, with their eclectic and diverse scientific backgrounds, you put them together in a single scientific space, and you are going to get a conflagration of fresh ideas and exciting new science.” Michael Avidan, MBBCh, Head, Department of Anesthesiology

As one of the nation’s largest neuroscience facilities, the Neuroscience Research Building houses a vast community of basic and translational scientists and trainees. Its innovative design is intended to:

• Stimulate multidisciplinary collaboration and the innovation that comes from it
• Foster communication and growth among mentors and mentees
• Allow for expanding the university’s neuroscience research and training

Focus on diversity

Diversity, equity and inclusion has been integrated throughout planning and construction.

A LEED Gold project

Sustainable features from top to bottom minimize environmental impact.

Collaborative research space dominates each floor, with researchers from multiple labs working side-by-side to maximize cross-lab communication and collaboration.

Shared equipment rooms encircle the central research areas.

Offices and desk spaces rim the building, with views of Washington University Medical Campus, the neighboring Cortex Innovation Community, and many elements of the St. Louis downtown skyline.

Kaldi’s coffeeshop and adjacent rooftop terrace on the third floor.

Adjacent: 1,846-space parking garage, pedestrian link to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital garage, separate utility plant.

Construction updates

Find out the latest on the campus’s largest-ever construction project:

Live web cam • Time-lapse video • Status updates • Renderings

Building stories

Newly opened Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building dedicated  (Links to an external site)

Diversity, equity, inclusion a pillar of Neuroscience Research Building  (Links to an external site)

Neuroscience leaders tour research building construction site  (Links to an external site)

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Sustainability

Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery

Yakusheva lab moves to the new Neuroscience Research Building

Assistant Professor Tatyana Yakusheva, PhD, and her team finally settled in their new research lab and work area in the new Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building (NRB), one of the world’s largest neuroscience research buildings. This 11-story building houses hundreds of scientists across the neuroscience research spectrum.

The Yakusheva Lab was the first to move to the NRB before construction was completed. They started the big move from the East McDonnell Research Building in Aug. 2023, but the planning process has spanned almost two years. “There were many meetings to bring this new lab together,” says Yakusheva.

They now have a laboratory space dedicated to working with two animal species: mice and non-human primates (NHP). On the 10th floor of NRB is a laboratory for experiments on non-human primates using a motion platform with six degrees of freedom (MOOG 6DOF/24/1800; Moog, East Aurora, NY). This system can deliver rotational (pitch, roll, and yaw) and translational motion in 3D.

The mouse lab space is located on the 6th floor and has two experimental rooms. One room has a laser projection system, an optokinetic system, and rotating chairs for vestibular stimulation.

“We were very excited about the move, but as a scientist, it was tough for us to imagine what was going to happen in a new place. Many factors can affect your experiments, such as electrical noise and building noise,” says Yakusheva, “but the best part about the move is coming together with other neuroscientists and researchers under one roof.”

Her research aims to understand spatial navigation and balance in the normal and diseased brain, aiming to pave the way toward finding cures and therapies for rehabilitation. Specifically, they study the role of the vestibulocerebellum in spatial navigation by using diverse experimental techniques, including measures of individual neuron activity, pharmacology, behavioral neuroscience, and mouse genetics.

Yakusheva’s team recently initiated a collaborative project with colleagues from Cleveland Medical Center that aims to understand the mechanisms underlying the positive effect of deep brain stimulation on motor skills and balance in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients.

Studying the role of the vestibular system and the cerebellum in spatial navigation deficits in PD patients and animal models will potentially lead to improvement in the treatment of PD patients. “We are excited to have this opportunity for this collaborative project with Dr. Shaikh that could potentially bridge the gap between basic research findings and practical applications in clinical and real-world settings,” says Yakusheva.

The Yakusheva Lab includes Assistant Professor Tatyana A. Yakusheva, PhD as primary investigator, Laboratory Supervisor Fanetta Hampton, Research Engineer Valentin Militchin, Laboratory Technician Chuzhen Yin, and medical student Derick Cutinha and collaborations with scientific teams within and outside the US.

The research conducted in their lab will not only help patients but will help unlock principles fundamental to the workings of the nervous system. This will lead to new therapies, diagnostic tools, and drugs that can improve the lives of people around the globe.