Contact: Dr. Donna Simon (304) 766-3363 dsimon@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va.Development of the nervous system, the part of the body that coordinates action, is the focus of a free seminar at West Virginia State University (WVSU) Thursday, March 14, at 12:30 p.m. in 107 Hamblin Hall on campus. Dr. Christopher Deppman, an assistant professor of biology at the University of Virginia, will speak on “Signaling Underlying Sympathetic Nervous System Development.”
“In the nervous system, billions of cells must properly make connections with each other and other targets such as muscles, sense organs and internal organs in order to function,” said Dr. Gerald Hankins, associate professor of biology at WVSU. “It is likely that these complex patterns of connectivity are governed by a broad series of rules, which we are now only beginning to understand.”
Deppman’s work involves understanding the molecular basis by which the nervous system is sculpted during development, examining both normal development and how abnormal development can lead to disease. Such work may aid research into issues such as Alzheimer’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Prior to joining the University of Virginia, Deppman completed his doctoral work at Purdue University and postdoctoral studies at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
The lecture is part of WVSU’s Careers in Science Seminar and Faculty Lecture Series.