Our Team

Principal Investigator

Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Washington

Dr. Mizumori seeks to understand how the many neuroplasticity mechanisms of the brain enable flexible decisions, learning and memory across the lifespan. Current efforts focus on the interaction between decision and memory neural circuitry at both single cell firing rate and population neural oscillatory levels of analysis that span brain areas such as the hippocampus, frontal cortex, striatum, and midbrain structures. The hope is that this work will inform future therapeutic efforts to treat behavioral and memory disorders.

Discoveries in science are critical for the advancement of society. As important as these discoveries are, it is equally important to ensure that these discoveries result from input from a diverse group of scientists to ensure that scientific advances are as broadly applicable, inclusive, and creative as possible. Thus, Dr. Mizumori’s other passion in research is to promote the inclusion of historically marginalized neuroscientists in scientific discovery, which led her to co-found the BRAINS Program.

Victoria I. Hones

honesvic@uw.edu

I am deeply interested in investigating the mechanisms underlying decision-making and memory in the brain. To this end, I focus on the neural circuits associated with spatial working memory. Currently, my research aims to uncover the lateral habenula's involvement in memory and decision-making, utilizing techniques such as designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs and calcium imaging. I am also intrigued by the potential use of psychedelics as a therapeutic approach for conditions such as depression and substance use disorder. Before joining the Mizumori lab, I collaborated with Dr. Molly Brown at DePaul University to explore social networking among chronically homeless individuals. In my spare time, I love hanging out with my dog Charlie and cat Yozhik, hiking, and reading!

Martha-Root Mbah

mrmbah@uw.edu

I am a graduate student interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying decision-making and memory by studying structures of the brain like the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. I am also interested in understanding how those mechanisms are influenced by substances of abuse. Before joining the Mizumori lab, I worked with Dr. Fioravante at UC Davis studying the non-motor functions of the cerebellum and its involvement in learned behavior. Outside of the lab, I enjoy being of service to my community, crocheting, baking, and hanging out with my niece and nephew.

Maeve Bottoms

mbottoms@uw.edu

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Applied Mathematics as well as Neural Computation and Engineering. I am interested in the physiological modulation of the hippocampus and how that affects behavioral flexibility, and am particularly drawn to neural computations and data analysis. After I graduate, I intend to work towards a doctorate degree in the field of Neuroscience. Outside of the lab, I love cooking and going on hikes with my dog Chili.

Ben Ackmann

backma@uw.edu

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student studying MCD Biology and Psychology. I am interested in the mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly those related to behavioral flexibility. I am especially fascinated by the integration of cellular, neural systems, and behavioral levels of analysis to better understand brain function. After graduation, I plan to continue developing my research experience and pursue a career as a physician-scientist. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors, swimming, and trying new recipes!

Post Docs

Phil Baker, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Seattle Pacific University

Marsha Penner, Ph.D. - Teaching Assistant Professor, Univ North Carolina-Chapel Hill

David Smith, Ph.D. - Professor, Cornell University

Oxana Eschenko, Ph.D. - Senior Research Scientist, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics

Alex Guazzelli, Ph.D. - Director of Machine Learning, Amazon

Dorene Miya, Ph.D.

Lucia Jacobs, Ph.D. - Professor, UC Berkeley

Ph.D. Graduates

Jesse Miles, Ph.D - Postdoctoral Fellow, Seattle Children’s Research Institute

Kevan Kidder, Ph.D - Research Scientist/Engineer, University of Washington

Valerie Tryon, Ph.D. - Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, UC Davis Imaging Research Center

Wambura Fobbs, Ph.D. - Postdoctoral Fellow, Lecturer, American University

Yong Sang Jo, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Korea University

Min Jung Kim, Ph.D. - Research Associate, MIT

Adria Martig, Ph.D. - Associate Director, Biogen

Corey Puryear, Ph.D. - Director of Translational Sciences, Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.

Katy Gill, Ph.D. - Medical Writer, Regulatory and Quality Solutions

Wayne Pratt, Ph.D. - Professor, Wake Forest University

Stefan Leutgeb, Ph.D. - Professor and Chair, UC San Diego

Brent Cooper, Ph.D. - Associate Professor, Texas Christian University

Masters Graduates

Yingxue Rao, MS

Julie Davis, MS

Sujean Oh, MS

Jennifer Bennett, MS

Denise Davis, MS

Kay Ragozzino, MS

Annette Lavoie, MS

Phil Garcia, MA