Alicia A. Walf, Ph.D. - Research Associate and co-Principal Investigator
Alicia A. Walf is a Research Associate and co-Principle Investigator at University at Albany, and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Rensselaer. Dr. Walf graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. from SUNY Albany in Psychology and East Asian Studies. She did her doctoral training in Behavioral Neuroscience at University at Albany, focusing on the role of estrogen for stress and affective processes. Dr. Walf did her post-doctoral training with Dr. Jamie Rusconi (UAlbany/Taconic Inc) in Molecular Neuroscience, focusing on the role of epigenetic changes underlying trophic actions of steroids in the brain and peripheral targets. Dr. Walf's area of expertise is on the mechanisms for trophic effects of steroids involving novel targets, such as estrogen receptor beta, in the central nervous system and peripheral steroid-sensitive tissues. She has published over 60 articles in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals on this and related topics regarding novel actions of steroids. Her research on estrogens' novel actions has been supported by USAMRMC Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program and Karo Bio. Dr. Walf has been recognized for her research endeavors with the Presidential Award for Undergraduate Research (2001) and the Psychology Departmental Award for Research (2001) from the University at Albany, the Suzannah Bliss Tieman Research Award (2007) from the N.E.U.R.O.N. Conference, and the inaugural Luciano Martini Prize for Young Investigators in Neuroendocrinology (2009), presented at the Steroids and the Nervous System Meeting (Torino, Italy).
Carolyn J. Koonce - Senior Technical Research Assistant
It is known that estrogen and progesterone regulate the onset and duration of sexual behavior and have enhancing effects for anti-anxiety and cognition. Of particular interest are the effects and mechanisms by which progesterone facilitates sexual, anxiolitic, and cognitive behavior. Carolyn is investigating whether progesterone’s metabolism to THP is necessary for the observed sexual, anxiolitic, and cognitive effects.
Jennifer Torgersen- Technical Research Assistant
Zhenhong Zhao- Technical Research Assistant
Jason J. Paris - Senior Graduate Research Assistant
Jason has been working on the mechanisms by which neurosteroids can mediate social behavior. Neurosteroids can be produced by metabolism from a parent hormone (such as progesterone or testosterone) or can be produced by glial cells in the brain. Among females of many species, enhancements in neurosteroids related to progesterone are associated with affiliative or pro-social behaviors. Among many males, neurosteroids related to testosterone are associated with aggressive or anti-social behavior. Understanding how certain behaviors or pharmacological substances, such as alcohol, can influence neurosteroid action, opens up an array of therapeutic targets that we can use to form treatments for disorders associated with social dysfunction.
Danielle M. Osborne - Graduate Research Assistant
It is known that sex steroids such as estrogen and progesterone have effects on learning and memory, and levels of these hormones vary greatly at different points in the female reproductive cycle. Danielle's project is looking at cognitive changes associated with naturally occurring cyclical variations in female neurosteroid levels across the lifespan. Of particular intrest are changes during pregnancy, lactation, and non-preganant stages.
Danielle C. Llaneza - Graduate Research Assistant
Autism is a common childhood developmental disorder which affects 1 in 264 children. The common signs of autism spectrum disorders are cognitive and social deficits, as well as stereotypical behaviors. Progesterone may play a role in mediating these behaviors, but may affect males and females differently. Danielle's research seeks to address progesterone's mediating affects on behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders.
Amy S. Kohtz- Graduate Research Assistant
Anthony Santarelli- Graduate Research Assistant
David Spangler- Undergraduate Research Assistant
Alyssa Marchinek- Undergraduate Research Assistant
