The Vermont Chapter of the Society of Neuroscience knocked this year’s 15th annual Neuroscience, Behavior, and Health Forum out of the park. The weekend was dedicated to the late Dr. Gary Mawe, Ph.D., a former professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. Dr. Gary Mawe had a significant impact on neuroscience communities across the world, proven true by Dr. John F. Cryan, Ph.D. making the trek from Ireland to memorialize and celebrate their collaboration and friendship throughout the years. Dr. Cryan is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience at University College Cork. Dr. Brigitte Lavoie, a long-time collaborator of Dr. Mawe at UVM, said, “It was an honor to have John Cryan give the keynote speech at the NBH forum this year. John and Gary’s friendship grew from their common love for sciences and their genuine curiosity and friendly attitude which led them to prolific collaborations in their respective field. They also share a strong commitment to teaching and sharing their knowledge beyond the scientific community, values that are supported by the NBH forum.” 

On Friday, January 31st, Dr. John F. Cryan shared his research on how the microbial world interacts with our bodies to impact almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives. We obtain our gut microbiome at birth, and his research has found correlations between C-sections and psychological stress in adulthood. His research has also found that germ-free mice have profound neurodevelopmental changes, with upregulation of myelin genes in the prefrontal cortex, deficits in fear learning, changes in long-term potentiation, and much more. Many of these changes can be reversed or managed through a diet of fermented foods or the consumption of probiotics. After the keynote address, the night morphed into one of socializing and dancing as the cash bar opened and UVM’s Dr. Jom Hammack took to the stage with his band Unruly Allies to provide live music.

The ball continued to roll into Saturday, February 1st, where presenters from UVM and surrounding institutions shared their research with audience members through 20-minute platform talks, 5-minute data blitzes, and posters. Research presentations highlighted the vast field of neuroscience, showcasing work in humans as well as different model systems, including mice, C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, and in vitro models. The UVM mascot, Rally Cat, stopped by the forum to support the event. 

Dr. Sue Ishaq from the University of Maine encouraged us to eat more raw broccoli sprouts, as her research showed that a 10% raw broccoli sprout diet in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease led to decreased inflammatory symptoms, as well as improved bowel movements. This suggests that dietary changes can impact conditions such as Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Research from across the spectrum of neuroscience was presented, with Dr. Adam S. Sprouse Blum of UVM highlighting his clinical research on migraines in different hemispheres of the brain, Dr. Leo T.H. Tang of UVM sharing his research on C. elegans worms to study the biological mechanisms of learning and memory, and Dr. Aman S. Aberra of Dartmouth College presenting his research on how subthreshold electric fields alter neurotransmission. PhD candidate Christian Arntsen showcased his research with the fruit fly, Drosophila, highlighting how artificial sweeteners differentially stimulate bitter or sweet taste pathways using calcium imaging and optogenetics. PhD candidate Lillian Russo-Savage presented her research on gut-brain connections and shared that, “The NBH forum has always been a wonderful opportunity to stay informed on all the varied and exciting research being conducted both internally at UVM and in our local community, at neighboring institutions. I have also greatly benefitted in my training as a graduate student from the ability to gain experience presenting my work to my colleagues in different formats each year.”

The day continued with poster presentations from scientists across every level of study in neuroscience, from multiple colleges and universities. Emma Renwick, an undergraduate student in the UVM Department of Psychological Sciences, presented their research on the associations between trauma exposure and perceptions of conflict within the family system. A presentation from Dr. Emily Coderre’s lab, on how Autistic traits and visual language proficiency interact for comprehending visual narratives, was presented by undergraduate student Del Rosner. Two graduate students, Anna Lyndaker and Kathryn Bates, from Dartmouth College presented on how the estrous cycle impacts behavioral outcomes following traumatic brain injury. 

Reflecting on the event, McKenna Smith, an undergraduate student at UVM said, “I feel privileged to be able to be an audience member and view posters and presentations from all over the Northeast.” This annual forum showcases the diversity of research across the field of neuroscience at UVM and surrounding institutions and provides a great networking and learning opportunity for those in neuroscience or related fields at all levels of study. 

Awards: 

Best platform talks: Aman Aberra, PhD & Lillian Russo-Savage 

Best blitz talk: Christian Arntsen 

Best graduate poster: Shaina Weingart 

Best undergraduate poster: Lindsey Earle 

Most entertaining faculty: Suzanne Ishaq, PhD