Education

B.S., Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 1996
Ph.D., Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 2006
FIRST Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 2006 - 2009

Research Statement

The Sanyal lab investigates biochemical pathways that regulate synaptic plasticity with the ultimate goal of deciphering the signaling cascade that underlies learning and memory.  Due to its well-characterized genome and an extensive genetic toolbox, the Drosophila melanogaster presents itself as a robust animal model.  We use anatomical, electophysiological, and behavioral assays to monitor changes in synaptic size and synaptic strength that underlie memory formation.  Spurred by my graduate research in the neural circuitry of sleep, I have introduced additional studies in the Sanyal lab that explore the synaptic mechanisms that play a role in the regulation of sleep and sleep disorders.

Recent Publications

Franciscovich, A.L., Vrailas Mortimer, A.D., Freeman, A.A., Gu, J., Sanyal, S. (2008) Over-expression Screen in Drosophila Identifies Neuronal Roles of GSK-3{beta}/shaggy as a Regulator of AP-1 Dependent Developmental Plasticity.  Genetics. 180(4):2057-71.

Felger, J.C., Alagbe, O., Hu, F., Mook, D., Freeman, A.A., Sanchez, M.M., Kalin, N.H., Ratti, E., Nemeroff, C.B., Miller, A.H. (2007) Effects of Interferon-Alpha on Rhesus Monkeys: A Nonhuman Primate Model of Cytokine-Induced Depression. Biol Psychiatry. 62(11):1324-33.

Daley, J.T., Turner, R.S., Freeman, A., Bliwise, D.L., Rye, D.B. (2006) Prolonged assessment of sleep and daytime sleepiness in unrestrained Macaca mulatta. Sleep. 29(2):221-31.

Freeman, A., Ciliax, B., Bakay, R., Daley, J., Miller, R.D., Keating, G., Levey, A., Rye, D. (2001) Nigrostriatal collaterals to thalamus degenerate in parkinsonian animal models. Ann Neurol. 50(3):321-9.

Emory University School of Medicine
Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Whitehead Biomedical Research Building, 5th Floor
615 Michael Street
Atlanta, GA 30322
Email: aafreem@emory.edu