Roberto Ogelman, PhD

About Me.... Neuroscientist & Science Communicator

Hello! I'm Roberto. I am half-Italian and half-Turkish, but was born in the United States. I received my B.S. in neuroscience from Tulane University in 2015 and my PhD in neuroscience from CU-Anschutz in Colorado in 2024.

My thesis work investigated the mechanisms by which the neurotransmitter serotonin modulates neuronal excitatory synapse development in the prefrontal cortex of mouse models (Ogelman et al., Nat Commun, 2024; always happy to chat about this project if you reach out!). Throughout my 12+ years in academic research, I mastered advanced neuroscience techniques such as two-photon microscopy and electrophysiology (along with countless other complex imaging and biochemical skills) and studied neuroscience related disorders ranging from multiple sclerosis, to autism spectrum disorder, to hearing loss. I subsequently worked as a postdoctoral fellow in the department of Pharmacology at CU-Anschutz until September of 2025 studying how inhibitory neuronal synapses are altered in a mouse model of Down syndrome.

While I enjoy research settings, my passion often lies outside of benchwork, communicating with the community around me. In 2019, fellow peers and I founded a neuroscience outreach organization (more info in my "Science Outreach" tab) to promote STEM education and public engagement in my local community. Through the leadership of a dedicated team, the group has reached more than 3,000 people across diverse backgrounds and ages to teach, raise awareness, and increase enthusiasm for science, and continues to be a vital resource for scientific information in the greater Denver area.

And... about me... personally! I was born in Madison, WI, USA but have since lived in many cities. In chronological order: Asti, Italy; Torino, Italy; Padova, Italy; New Orleans, LA, USA; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Seattle, WA, USA; and Denver, CO, USA. I greatly value the lessons I learned being exposed to these many places. In my personal time, I enjoy time in the mountains, making music, and have recently become obsessed with plant care. I am Bilingual in English and Italian, proficient in written and spoken Spanish, and an intermediate level in French.