Name: Kara G. Pratt

Position: Assistant Professor

Research Description:

Neurons have the amazing ability to self-organize into highly refined networks. I am interested in how these networks form. I am especially interested in the molecular pathways underlying this process. My lab studies these questions in the developing visual system of the Xenopus laevis tadpole. Because these tadpoles are transparent and their developmental stage readily identified, we are able to image and record the electrical activity in individual neurons at different stages in circuit development. Previously we observed naturally occurring changes in electrical properties expressed by neurons across key developmental stages. Currently we aim to understand how these changes are brought about and their significance in the context of proper neural circuit development.

Lab Memberships

Pratt Research Group (Principal Investigator/Director)

Contact Information

Address:
Neuroscience Center
Department of Zoology and Physiology
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave
Laramie, WY
82071, USA

Email: kpratt4@uwyo.edu
Web Page: http://www.uwyo.edu/zoology/people/pratt.html
Phone:  (307) 766-5589