Aakanksha Singhvi, PhD

Dr. Aakanksha Singhvi studies glial cells, which are critical to the correct functioning of our nervous system. Every time a neuron connects to another neuron, a glial cell is there to make sure that signals transmit properly between them. Glia themselves also communicate with neurons and influence their shape and activity. Disruptions in communication between neurons and glia underpin many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s and autism. Dr. Singhvi seeks to understand the molecules involved in glia-neuron communication, and how glia influence neuron shape and function, and, ultimately, animal behavior.