Martha Bickford

Biography

Dr. Bickford received a B.S. in Biology from Stanford University in 1981 and a Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Duke University in 1989. After postdoctoral training at S.U.N.Y Stonybook, she joined the faculty at the University of Louisville in 1995. He lab studies synaptic circuits of the visual thalamus and related structures. 

Research Interests

 A primary focus of the research in my lab is defining the structure and function of synaptic circuits used to coordinate sensory and motor systems during active vision. We are currently studying circuits of the visual thalamus, pretectum, superior colliculus, and parabigeminal nucleus.. I have over 45 years of experience with synaptic circuit dissection techniques. We routinely use electron microscopy and in vitro electrophysiology, including detailed analyses of synaptic currents and membrane properties and  optogenetic activation of synaptic inputs. We also record brain activity from awake behaving mice, while manipulating circuits using opto- and chemogenetic techniques.

Degrees and Certifications

Publications

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