Washington University in St Louis · NeuroscienceBrain Development and Activity Lab
Linda J Richards · Saint Louis, Missouri
Research Focus
Dr. Linda J. Richards' lab focuses on understanding how brain activity patterns in early life influence the development of brain circuits and overall brain function. Using the fat-tailed dunnart, a small marsupial, her team investigates when and how patterns of spontaneous neural activity emerge during development. This research provides insights into the relationships between neural activity, brain structure, and behavior, potentially informing therapeutic strategies for brain disorders.
brain developmentneural circuitsspontaneous activitycalcium imagingmarsupial model
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the timing and regulation of spontaneous activity patterns during fetal brain development.
AIM 02Examine how early activity patterns shape neural circuits responsible for sensory processing.
AIM 03Explore the evolution of cortical activity throughout the lifespan of the dunnart.
AIM 04Develop imaging capabilities to study brain function at multiple scales.
AIM 05Link neuronal activity patterns to behavioral outcomes in a living model.
Skills the Lab Values
calcium imagingtargeted electroporationlongitudinal study designbehavioral assaysdata analysis with Python
Output against the department
Publications243top 30% of dept.200th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations13ktop 30% of dept.202nd of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
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