Our Team
Lab Members
Neuroscientists, cell biologists, and engineers studying how the nervous system builds itself, adapts, and breaks down.
Principal Investigator
Christopher D. Deppmann
Chris Deppmann is a Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia with joint appointments in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, and Cell Biology. His lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of neural circuit assembly, axon degeneration, and adaptive metabolism — from how neurons compete for survival during development to how the brain regulates feeding behavior. The lab builds the tools it needs, including magnetogenetics for remote neuronal activation and single-cell mass cytometry for measuring many signals at once in individual brain cells. He also looks for ways to make a 484-person biochemistry course feel smaller, using AI-generated trading cards, original music, and podcasts made with his students.
Education
- BS, Biomedical Sciences & Chemistry — Western Michigan University (1997)
- PhD, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology — Purdue University (Elizabeth Taparowsky Lab, 1997–2003)
- Post-doctoral Fellow — Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (David Ginty Lab, 2003–2009)
Selected Honors
- All-University Teaching Award, UVA (2016)
- Kavli Frontiers Fellow, National Academy of Sciences (2015)
- Mead Honored Faculty Teaching Award, UVA (2013–2014)
- Hartwell Foundation Individual Biomedical Research Award (2012–2015)
- Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship (2010–2012)
- Excellence in Diversity Fellowship, UVA (2009)
Graduate Program
PhD Students
Our graduate students come from Biology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Quantitative Neuroscience programs.
I study how neurons talk to each other during development, focusing on extracellular vesicles and how circuits take shape. NIH F31 fellow.
I am building a signaling atlas of the arcuate nucleus to understand how cell states shift during metabolic challenge.
I study what happens after p75NTR is activated, and how those events shape neuronal signaling, development, and degeneration.
I study how peripheral nerves degenerate, and what Schwann cells do about it.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduates are integral to our research. Many go on to medical school, graduate programs, and research careers.
I study the cell-death pathways that contribute to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.
I study cell signaling in the developing nervous system and build new single-cell mass cytometry approaches.
I work with Jingxuan to study how PASCs preserve injured axons.
I study how signaling changes in Rett syndrome.
I work with Jonathon to study neuronal development and synaptic competition.
I study the neural circuits that regulate appetite and metabolism.
I work with Jingxuan to study how Schwann cells switch into a protection-associated state, and how PASCs support axon regeneration after injury.
I work with Cheng to study how p75NTR activation affects nerve cell signaling, growth, and degeneration.
Current Lab Members
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