Novel actions of neurosteroids on GABA (A) receptor trafficking

Project Summary This application is for a diversity supplement to the R01 NS108378, entitled ?Novel actions of neurosteroids on GABAAR trafficking? the PIs of which are Dr. Paul Davies and Dr. Stephen Moss at Tufts University. The diversity candidate is Noell, a beginning pre-doctoral student in the lab of Dr.

Moss.

Noell qualifies as a diversity candidate due to Guamanian classification and being a first-generation college graduate having grown up in Guam, a U.S. rural area.

This supplement is to fund Noell?s first years in the lab for her to: 1) receive mentorship and training to advance in pursuit of a career in science, 2) work on preliminary experiments to submit a NRSA F31 fellowship. Dr.

Stephen Moss has trained 20 graduate students, many whom are independent investigators, and has a well-respected track record of mentorship.

Noell?s project is directly related to aims of the parent grant, which centers on the role that neurosteriods play in mediating the phospho-dependent regulation of GABAAR membrane trafficking. To do this, she will learn and apply techniques in electrophysiology and biochemistry.

Overall, this project will give Noell broad exposure to contemporary methodologies used in ?cutting edge? neuroscience research and prepare her for a career as an independent investigator. Other mentorship interactions between Noell and Dr.

Moss funded by the supplement include building presentation skills, writing grants and scientific publications, ability to design experiments, exposure to the field through invited speakers, and interactions with pharmaceutical industry collaborators.

The funding will importantly provide Noell with enrichment opportunities so she can connect with others in the broader neuroscience community.

The diversity supplement will bridge Noell?s path towards a positive future in science and continue to build diversity at Tuft?s University.

The activities in mentorship and enrichment made possible will be critical in Noell?s development as an independent investigator.