GRADUATE STUDENTS
Karen Wilcox Lab
Research Interests: Seizure Dynamotypes, Pharmacology in Epilepsy, Epilepsy Animal Models, Clinical Epilepsy
Undergraduate School: University of Maryland, College Park
Dissertation Project: A pharmacokinetic and efficacy study of a relevant combination therapy in a mouse model of Dravet SyndromeDissertation Project: A pharmacokinetic and efficacy study of a relevant combination therapy in a mouse model of Dravet Syndrome.
Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a rare but catastrophic infantile-onset genetic epilepsy characterized by febrile and spontaneous seizures with significant comorbidities. The use of monotherapies do fail to provide adequate seizure control in patients; thus, combination therapies have become important. However, there is a limited understanding of drug-drug interactions of antiseizure polytherapy, impeding therapy decision-making. This study utilizes a DS mouse model and a standard-of-care therapeutic approach as a proof-of-principle study to provide an essential drug discovery platform to inform future preclinical studies for new investigational compounds.
Undergraduate School: University of Ghana (MPhil; BSc Biochemistry)
Faculty Mentor: Karen Wilcox, PhD
Dissertation: Cell-type-specific adaptations in the dorsal striatum of habitual cocaine-seeking behavior
My research involves the study of cell-type-specific adaptations in the dorsal striatum of habitual cocaine-seeking behavior. Excitatory synaptic function and plasticity following prolonged cocaine administration is likely contributing to the induction of behavioral states underlying habitual control of behavior. It is hypothesized that better understanding of excitatory synaptic transmission in the context of addiction will pave the way for therapeutic targets for novel treatments.
Faculty Mentors: Kristen Keefe, PhD and Karen Wilcox, PhD
Dissertation Project: Development of focused ultrasound (FUS) approaches to modify neural circuits underlying seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).
Carena's research focuses on FUS, which is a promising noninvasive technology that can be used for therapeutic purposes by ablating tissue or modulating neural circuit function. FUS could be used to reduce seizure frequency for the one-third of people with drug-resistant epilepsy that may not opt for surgery or may not be a good candidate for surgery.
Undergraduate School: The Pennsylvania State University (BS Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management)
Faculty Mentor: Karen Wilcox, PhD
Dissertation: Changes in structure and function of NG2-Glia during viral encephalitis
Theiler’s Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus (TMEV) is used to model virally induced seizures and epilepsy in mice. NG2-glia, also known as oligodendrocyte precursor cells, may contribute to the clearance of virus from the brain and may also contribute to seizure burden during acute infection. I am studying the synapses formed between NG2-glia and neurons, as well as the phagocytic activity of NG2-glia, in response to TMEV infection.
Undergraduate School: SUNY New Paltz
Faculty Mentor: Karen Wilcox, PhD
POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
I am a postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Karen Wilcox's lab with a background in glial biology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. I am currently investigating the mechanisms of microgliosis, microglial responses to damage cues and their alteration in epilepsy and health, using a mouse model of viral infection-induced epilepsy.
Post-Doc: Wilcox Lab
Phone: 305-799-7102
Office: SMBB 4800
Florida International University, PhD Biomedical Engineering
