Arij D
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at University of Chicago
Expertise
Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Mathematics, Computer Programming, Dynamical Systems Analysis, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Computational Neuroscience, Computational Physiology, Python, Matlab, Java
Bio
I am an interdisciplinary researcher working at the intersection of neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, and statistics. Trained originally as a computer scientist, I transitioned into mathematics and statistics before fully immersing myself in experimental and computational neuroscience. My academic path has taken me from Florida State University to the University of Chicago. My research bridges experimental neuroscience and quantitative modeling. Half of my work focuses on advanced electrophysiological and imaging techniques to investigate neuronal activity in brain slices and behaving animals. The other half is dedicated to building mathematical models, statistical frameworks, and computational tools to analyze complex neural data and address fundamental questions about brain function. Ultimately, my goal is to transform high-dimensional biological datasets into insights that expand human knowledge, inform translational applications, and deepen our understanding of the brain.Project ideas
Altered Intrinsic Properties of Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD), though classically defined by its motor symptoms, is increasingly recognized for its profound cognitive deficits, which often arise early and substantially impact patients’ quality of life. Recent evidence suggests that the hippocampus, particularly its pyramidal neuron populations, may play a critical role in the non-motor manifestations of PD. However, the biophysical underpinnings of hippocampal dysfunction in PD remain largely unexplored at the single-cell level. This study investigated the intrinsic properties (IPs) of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the MitoPark mouse model of PD using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and comprehensive spike feature analysis. Compared to healthy controls, PD neurons exhibited significantly higher spike frequencies, shortened first spike delays, elevated and more variable spike thresholds, and pronounced reductions in action potential (AP) peak, amplitude, and width. In addition, afterhyperpolarization (AHP) amplitude was markedly increased, while its time to peak was shortened, indicating a shift toward deeper but briefer post-spike hyperpolarization. Joint feature analysis revealed that these neurons not only shift in the means of individual properties, but also occupy an altered region of multidimensional parameter space, characterized by changed variability and the breakdown of normal physiological correlations. These electrophysiological alterations are consistent with dysregulation of sodium and potassium channel function, which may underlie the enhanced excitability and impaired firing precision observed in PD neurons. Our findings provide new mechanistic insight into the cellular basis of cognitive deficits in PD, and suggest that ion channel dysfunction represents a promising therapeutic target for early intervention.
Biology of Parkinson’s Disease : Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology
Parkinson's disease is a multisystem neurodegenerative and progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. In this project, I explore the molecular, cellular and network pathways that are connected to the neurology and neuroscience of Parkinson’s disease, cover a wide range of subjects and unravel the complex relationships between genetics, molecular biology, pharmaceutical chemistry, neurobiology, imaging, assessments, and treatment regimens. Initially, I will cover foundational topics and then goes relatively in depth in covering the classical and cutting-edge research on the mechanisms that have been discovered to play a role in Parkinson's pathology.
Research Techniques in Neuroscience
Neuroscience is, by definition, a multidisciplinary field: some scientists study genes and proteins at the molecular level while others study neural circuitry using electrophysiology and high-resolution optics. A single topic, such as the auditory system, can be studied using techniques from genetics, imaging, biochemistry, or electrophysiology. Therefore, it can be daunting for young investigators or anyone new to neuroscience to learn how to read the primary literature and understand the various techniques. In this project I will provide you with a comprehensive overview of classical and cutting-edge methods in neuroscience techniques that are essential to the field. It will first cover foundational topics and then goes relatively in depth in the techniques and methods used in neuroscience, including their utility, limitations, and how data are presented in the literature.