Principal Investigator 

birren@brandeis.edu 

PhD Candidate in Molecular and Cell Biology 

melda@brandeis.edu 

MS/BS Neuroscience '26

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Research Associate

mhaburcak@brandeis.edu 

Undergraduate Student '23

nathalievg@brandeis.edu 

My project focuses on the role of satellite glial cells in regulating neuron plasticity within the sympathetic nervous system. I use the neurons and glia from normotensive and hypertensive rat models to compare how the chronic activity of the glia impacts synaptogenesis in neurons. This study investigates how the relationship between satellite glial cells and neurons drive sympathetic activity and the progression of hypertension.

Undergraduate Student '24

petradujmic@brandeis.edu 

I'm currently studying the role of satellite glia on the development of sympathetic fiber growth to the heart. Using a hypertensive animal model, I hope to understand how sympathetic fiber growth is regulated in disease states.

Master's Student/Lab Manager/Research Technician

Lab Manager/Research Technician

Undergraduate Student '21

Lab Manager/Research Technician