The Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior supports our underrepresented students and rejects all forms of discrimination. Racial Trauma Resources

School of Medicine

picture of kim next to the center for neuroscience sign

Discovering Curiosity: Brain Puzzles with UC Davis Center for Neuroscience Director Kimberley McAllister

  • by Gregory D Watry
Quick Summary
  • Kimberley McAllister studies the developing brain
  • Part of her research focuses on why viral infection during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of a child developing autism and schizophrenia
  • McAllister was named director of the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience in 2018, becoming the first female to occupy the role

Puzzles always fascinated UC Davis Center for Neuroscience Director Kimberley McAllister.

Picture of Lucas

Discovering Curiosity: Fighting Neuromuscular Disorders with New Faculty Lucas Smith

  • by Gregory D Watry
Quick Summary
  • Assistant Professor Lucas Smith studies neuromuscular disorders, like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy
  • Smith explores how scar tissue accumulation, which is seen in these conditions, affects muscle mechanics
  • He wants to find ways to increase the expression of proteins that can alleviate overly stiff muscles

In debilitating neuromuscular disorders, like muscular dystrophies and cerebral palsy, the body’s muscles scar, turning fibrotic and st

Picture of Marty in lab gear adjusting equipment

Exploring Vision, Perception and Behavior: W. Martin Usrey Named Barbara A. Horwitz and John M. Horowitz Endowed Chair in Physiology

  • by Gregory D Watry
Quick Summary
  • The Barbara A. Horwitz and John M. Horowitz Endowed Chair in Physiology was created in 2004
  • Usrey will hold the appointment for five years
  • The endowment will support his research in visual perception, teaching and service activities

Amblyopia, or reduced vision from one eye, affects approximately two to three of every 100 children, according to the National Eye Institute. Today the disability is

Subscribe to School of Medicine Content