Professor & Chair, Department of Neuroscience

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Dr. Anne Hart obtained her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at UCLA with Dr. S.L. Zipursky working on cell fate specification in the Drosophila eye. She undertook her post-doctoral training in C. elegans genetics with Dr. Josh Kaplan in the Department of Molecular Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Hart joined the Center for Cancer Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Medical School Department of Pathology as an assistant professor and taught numerous classes in genetics and neuroscience. She moved to the Department of Neuroscience at Brown University in the fall of 2009. Currently, she is the Speaker for the MBL Society. Dr. Hart is a trainer in both the Neuroscience Graduate Program and the Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Biochemistry Graduate Program.

Post-Doctoral Research Associate

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Alex is a postdoctoral researcher interested in the cellular pathways that link protein aggregation to neuron death in human neurodegenerative diseases. His current work in the Hart lab focuses on the conservation of degenerative mechanisms between neuron types, as well as the identification & characterization of suppressors of neurodegeneration. Alex hopes to bring this work into the broader fields of the cell biology of neuronal longevity, health, repair and disease. Alex did his PhD in post-injury axon regeneration at Yale University, and outside the lab enjoys cooking, skiing and birdwatching.

NSGP MD/PhD Candidate​

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Adam is an MD-PhD candidate in Neuroscience at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School. He investigates G-protein signal transduction, developmental sleep, and stress induced sleep in C. elegans. Focusing on the genetic components of human insomnia and sleep disorders, Adam builds on his medical training by identifying conserved mechanisms regulating sleep, and he aims to continue investigating neurogenetic mechanisms underlying brain health as a physician scientist. Appointed through the Providence city council, Adam serves as chair of a juvenile justice program which diverts youth from traditional paths while opting for restorative justice practices. Adam has played on the Club Baseball team at Brown University since 2015 and collects as well as restores vintage fountain pens.

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MCBGP PhD Student​

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Diana is an MCB PhD Student. She received her B.A. in biology from The College of the Holy Cross in 2022. In the Hart Lab, she studies mutations in the ATP1A3 gene that cause rare neurological disorders. Outside of the lab, Diana enjoys painting, working out, and spending time with her cat.

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Senior Research Assistant

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Research Assistant and Biotechnology Masters Student

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Mika received her B.S. in Biology and minor in Neuroscience from the University of Maine. She is currently working on finding candidate suppressor variants for the sod-1 project. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, hiking & rock climbing.

Biotechnology Masters Student

Undergraduate Research Assistant

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Jackie is in the class of 2024 and is concentrating in Neuroscience. She is interested in studying the underlying mechanisms of fatigue in the context of neurodegeneration. Outside of the lab, Jackie enjoys editing for the Triple Helix, volunteering as a Connect for Health advocate, and making niche Spotify playlists. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

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Ashley is an undergrad student concentrating in neuroscience. Her interests lie in studying the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases. Ashley also enjoys writing for The Brown Daily Herald, volunteering at the RI Free Clinic, playing the piano, and baking chocolate chip banana bread.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

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Nicole is in the class of 2025 and is from Tucson, Arizona. Currently, she is planning on concentrating in Neuroscience. Nicole joined the Hart lab as a freshman and is interested in researching alternative methods for identifying neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). She is also involved in aiding in efforts to explore candidate suppressor genes in the SOD-1 model for ALS. 

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

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Manuel is concentrating in Applied Mathematics-Biology and Educational Studies. He is also very passionate about neuroscience and in particular, sleep. In his free time, he likes to play Ultimate Frisbee and go to the cinema. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

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Jasmine is in the class of 2026 and plans to double concentrate in Biology and Economics. She joined the Hart Lab her freshman year and is interested in exploring the underlying mechanisms affecting neurodegeneration. Currently, Jasmine is focused on identifying candidate suppressor genes in the SOD-1 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) model. Through looking at these candidate suppressor genes, she hopes to gain a greater understanding of the pathways and molecular interactions in ALS. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

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Selam, a student in the class of 2026, is currently pursuing a concentration in Neuroscience. As part of her research in the Hart lab, she is focusing on studying the G4C2 expansion in the C9orf72 gene and its impact on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By exploring this topic, Selam aims to gain a deeper understanding of the disease pathways involved in both frontotemporal dementia and ALS (c9FTD/ALS). Her aim is also to address neurodegeneration linked to "c9FTD/ALS" by identifying potential suppressor genes.

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