Dr. Manjarrez’s research is focused on two main areas:  Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans as a drug discovery model and measuring neural activity in the C. elegans nerve ring to decipher the neural networks associated with decision making for use in computer modeling and simulation. 

Research Opportunities with Dr. Manjarrez

Research Area: Neurobiology, Biochemistry, and Drug Discovery

Project Title: Choosing a direction: Neural models of decision making;

Utilizing Caenorhabditis elegans locomotion to evaluate the mechanisms and the treatment of movement disorders

Project Description: Our laboratory focuses on two main projects:

We are developing neural models for locomotion in the nematode, C. elegans, by investigating the neural circuits that encode action selection and execution.  Our effort will focus on the neurons that regulate specific neural circuits involved in the modulation of directional control.  In collaboration, we will explore these neurons and their interrelationships to develop a computational model that can be used to drive an existing simulated worm. 

We evaluate the mechanisms and treatments for movement disorders through the application of our innovative free-range C. elegans tracking system to assess subtle changes in altered coordination and neuromuscular dysfunction. Our method accurately captures images of Ca²⁺ reporter fluorescence in muscle cells and individual muscle groups at high resolution and speed. The C. elegans models for movement disorders allow discovery compounds to accurately assess locomotion patterns and muscle function at early and late stages of the disorders in real time.

Time Commitment: Flexible

Possible Coauthorship: Yes

Compensation: Paid/Unpaid

Location: OSU-CHS