Jennifer Kirkland

I am responsible for the production of our transgenic mice. I also maintain many of our mouse stock lines. In addition, I participate in many other mouse projects such as rederivations, cryogenic preservation of embryos, and production of mouse ES cell lines.

Ira Schieren

I strive to further the research interests of the lab with the use of computers and technology.  I primarily achieve this goal by managing the flow cytometry facility.  But, I also contribute as computer systems administrator, graphic artist, photo editor, web developer, a source for spare parts and a technical tinker.

Joriene de Nooij

I am interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the establishment of the ‘simple’ proprioceptive reflex circuits in the spinal cord.  Through an understanding of the generation of the different classes of proprioceptive sensory neurons (group Ia, group Ib and group II), and of the spinal circuits onto which each of these classes provides input, I hope ultimately to test the functional contribution of the distinct proprioceptive circuits in the coordination of locomotor and/or other motor behaviors.

Sebastian Poliak

A key aspect of the development of neural function is the precision with which neuronal circuits are assembled. In the spinal mono-synaptic stretch reflex circuit, muscle sensory neurons convey information to the spinal cord and form specific synaptic connections with motor neurons that innervate the same muscle. My research in the lab attempts to understand the developmental mechanisms that specify muscle sensory neurons to form these selective synaptic connections as well as the molecular mechanisms that guide motor axons to their specific target muscle during limb development.