PhD - Electrical Eng. & Computer Sci.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 2010
Catherine Thorn
Fellow, Eugene McDermott Distinguished Professor
Associate Professor - Department of Neuroscience
Research Interests: Motor and habit learning, with an emphasis on the role of neuromodulators in motor system plasticity
Professional Preparation
SM - Electrical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 2004
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 2004
BS - Electrical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology - 2002
Georgia Institute of Technology - 2002
Research Areas
Research in the Motor and Habit Learning Lab aims to understand how we learn new motor skills and develop the many motor habits we use every day. Motor learning is supported by the learning and memory circuitry of the basal ganglia and related structures — including the neocortex, thalamus and many neuromodulatory systems. We use rodent models of motor learning to study the neuronal changes that lead to improved performance and habitual behaviors.
Publications
Longitudinal assessment of skilled forelimb motor impairments in DJ-1 knockout rats. 2022 - Journal Article
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Induced Motor Map Plasticity Does Not Require Cortical Dopamine. 2021 - Journal Article
Local activation of α2 adrenergic receptors is required for vagus nerve stimulation induced motor cortical plasticity. 2021 - Journal Article
Self-Administration of Right Vagus Nerve Stimulation Activates Midbrain Dopaminergic Nuclei. 2021 - Journal Article
Preparation of peripheral nerve stimulation electrodes for chronic implantation in rats 2020 - Journal Article
A Highly Selective MNK Inhibitor Rescues Deficits Associated with Fragile X Syndrome in Mice 2020 - Journal Article
Vagus nerve stimulation promotes cortical reorganization and reduces task-dependent calorie intake in male and female rats 2020 - Journal Article
Striatal, Hippocampal, and Cortical Networks Are Differentially Responsive to the M4- and M1-Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Mediated Effects of Xanomeline 2019 - Journal Article
Awards
UT Dallas Recognition of Outstanding Achievements in Research Award - UT Dallas [2024]
FRIEND of the Office of Research and Innovation - UT Dallas [2024]
Teaching Award - UT Dallas Dept. of Neuroscience [2022]
Appointments
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas at Dallas [2018–Present]
The University of Texas at Dallas [2018–Present]
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development [2014–2017]
Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development [2014–2017]
Postdoctoral Fellow
Brown University [2011–2014]
Brown University [2011–2014]