Ryan Mayers Email & Phone Number

Baltimore, Md, Us

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Currently a Neuroscience PhD student in Prof. Brian Polster's lab (Department of Anesthesiology)I use a mixture of fluorescence microscopy, iPSC-derived and immortalized microglial culture, platereader-based respirometry, and classical molecular biology and biochemical assays to assess dysfunctional mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics resulting from microglial pro-inflammatory activation or genetic ablation of Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia risk factor genes. In parallel, I also study the mechanism of action of several known or candidate mitochondrial therapeutics to explore their potential for repurposing as neuroprotective interventions in neurodegenerative disease and injury.

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Teaching assistant for GPLS 737, "Proseminar in Experimental Design"This is a required course for second-year neuroscience PhD students, and covers the basics of hypothesis design and grant-writing, with a core focus on NIH-style Specific Aims and Research Strategy pages.

Chicago, Illinois

Worked in the Neurology department as a part of Prof. Evangelos Kiskinis's research group• Developed human stem cell models to test the necessity and sufficiency of genetic variants of the ALS-associated gene NIMA-related kinase 1 (NEK1) in the context of human motor neurons. • Explored the role ALS-related NEK1 genetic variants play in cellular function. Utilized confocal imaging and cell-based functional assays to examine perturbations in mechanistic pathways in mutant NEK1 motor neurons and corresponding isogenic controls.• Contributed to a publication in Science Advances: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi5548

Greater Chicago Area

Teaching assistant position for MBIOTECH 410, "Technology Commercialization Fundamentals."This is a core course for first year students in the Master of Biotechnology Program, and covers the basics of bringing a new therapy to market.

Bethesda, Maryland

Worked in the National Institute on Aging's Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Cell Biology & Gene Expression Section under Dr. Mark Cookson.This group studies the genetics and gene regulation of Parkinson’s disease• Cloned, sequenced, and tested plasmids for candidate genes of interest in mammalian cell lines (iPSC, HEK293FT) via canonical molecular biology and microscopy techniques• Modified CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids to utilize a more efficient editing strategy for iPSCs

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Worked in the Biology department as a part of Prof. J. Nicholas Betley's research group.This lab is a neurobiology group, studying the underpinnings of survival-related behaviors in mice• Employed optogenetic and open-field assays to study gut motility and locomotor activity• Developed novel protocols to identify neuronal subpopulations of interest• Built and programmed devices to measure stereotyped mouse behaviors

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Worked in the Biology department as a part of Prof. Timothy Linksvayer's research group. This lab is an evolutionary biology group, studying the origins of social behavior in Monomorium pharaonis• Developed novel behavioral assay for phenotypes of interest using 3D design and printing

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Neuroscience

Activities and Societies: Graduate Student Association University Student Government Association

Master Of Science - Ms, Biotechnology

Activities and Societies: Science Policy Outreach Taskforce, Association of Biotechnology Students, Neuroscience Journal ClubMinor.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Biology (Neurobiology)

Activities and Societies: Penn Science Diplomacy Group, Phi Gamma Nu Professional Business Fraternity, Ivy Council, Outdoor Adventure.