Troy Lau

Troy Lau joined the lab in the spring of 2006 as a second year PhD student in physics. Troy 's research is in adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus and olfactory system. He and Dr. Zochowski are working on a theory that location specific synaptic activity can direct neurogenesis. Furthermore, erratic neuronal activity, such as that associated with epileptic seizures, can randomly and perhaps detrimentally direct neurogenesis.

The first part of his work involves using computer simulations to model neural networks with neurogenesis-like properties. His programs study the neurotransmitter buildup, driven by different firing patterns, and corresponding neural stem cell migration and integration. These studies show that neurotransmitter accumulation can physically drive neurogenesis.

The second part of his work involves using hippocampal rat neuron cultures, along with GFP stained neural stem cells and mature neurons, to correlate his simulations with in vitro recordings. The hope of this work is to show that plated neurons that are driven in a certain region will show enhanced neurogenesis opposed to the non-driven regions. Comparing this with his simulations he will able to determine specific parameters and better understand the physiological basis for the neurogenesis.

Troy graduated from the University of California as Santa Cruz in 2005 with honors in physics. His undergraduate research studied supersymmetry at the Linear Collider. In is free time he plays soccer, football, and frisbee. He enjoys the guitar, traveling, and will likely become a chef if this whole science thing doesn't work out.