Evan Hess, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Education
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Marquette University Department of Biomedical Sciences B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University College of Health Sciences Current Projects Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of rapid-acting antidepressant drugs. Contact Information Phone: (414)-704-7639 |
Research Interests
My primary research interest is examining the cellular and molecular neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processing. Given the sheer number of diseases stemming from cognitive dysfunction, uncovering the basis of cognition is likely to significantly improve the quality of life for patients through the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In particular, my goal is to elucidate the contribution of glial cells to cognition through examining how they dynamically regulate local neural networks to modify behavior. Additionally, studying the glial mechanisms underlying how novel therapeutics such as ketamine illicit their behavioral effects could reveal other promising therapeutic targets.
Research Description
I earned my Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Marquette University with a specialization in Neuroscience under the advisement of Dr. David Baker. My research project investigated the contribution of System xc- (Sxc), a glutamate release mechanism expressed by astrocytes, to cognitive processing. Using a novel rat model lacking functional Sxc, I found that Sxc is discretely involved in executive functions such as impulse control, behavioral flexibility, and attentional gating independent of any disruption in learning, memory, or locomotor activity. Sxc regulates executive control over behavior through forming a precise communication axis between astrocytes and adjacent neural networks via non-synaptic NMDA receptors within the basal ganglia to tune excitatory output. These findings support the notion that targeting glial cells may have significant therapeutic potential for cognitive disorders.
My primary research interest is examining the cellular and molecular neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processing. Given the sheer number of diseases stemming from cognitive dysfunction, uncovering the basis of cognition is likely to significantly improve the quality of life for patients through the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In particular, my goal is to elucidate the contribution of glial cells to cognition through examining how they dynamically regulate local neural networks to modify behavior. Additionally, studying the glial mechanisms underlying how novel therapeutics such as ketamine illicit their behavioral effects could reveal other promising therapeutic targets.
Research Description
I earned my Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Marquette University with a specialization in Neuroscience under the advisement of Dr. David Baker. My research project investigated the contribution of System xc- (Sxc), a glutamate release mechanism expressed by astrocytes, to cognitive processing. Using a novel rat model lacking functional Sxc, I found that Sxc is discretely involved in executive functions such as impulse control, behavioral flexibility, and attentional gating independent of any disruption in learning, memory, or locomotor activity. Sxc regulates executive control over behavior through forming a precise communication axis between astrocytes and adjacent neural networks via non-synaptic NMDA receptors within the basal ganglia to tune excitatory output. These findings support the notion that targeting glial cells may have significant therapeutic potential for cognitive disorders.