pamela-wernettuiowaedu

Department
Psychiatry

Lab
Rob Philibert

Research Interests

I am a fourth year Ph.D candidate in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Philibert, which holds an interest in three major foci of research: 1) The role of the MED12 gene in human health and behavior, and more specifically how a 12 base pair insertional polymorphism known as HOPA 12bp or MED12 12bp in MED12 (a.k.a. HOPA, TRAP230) is associated with an increased risk for schizophrenia. 2) The role of genetic variation and gene-environment interactions in the inception of behavioral disorders using genotyping and gene expression techniques. 3) The development of transcriptional profiling as a tool to unveil the origins of complex behavioral illnesses and as a diagnostic aid for psychiatric illness.

My main project in the laboratory is researching the role of MED12, known to modulate neuronal development, in mediating vulnerability to schizophrenia via a possible fluctuation/deficit of dopaminergic neuronal development and neurotransmission. To do this, I am utilizing an inducible human pluripotent cell model to specify the regions of MED12 essential for morphology, patterning, and cell differentiation into dopaminergic neurons and their gene expression and synaptogenesis.

Living in Iowa City

As a native of the Midwest, and an avid fan of travel, I have to say that Iowa City provides a very unique living experience that not many cities within or out of the Midwest can provide. First of all, you get the big city feel with the various cultural, art, and science events that are offered here. I personally enjoy going to the art shows, concerts, and museums that are found here and in the surrounding areas. Iowa City also has a vibrant nightlife fueled by its large number of students and young professionals. In addition, if you’re looking for a weekend excursion and wanting to mix things up a bit, Iowa City is located very close to several major cities including Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Madison, and Kansas City. If you can’t make it to the concert of your favorite band or DJ in Chicago one day, then you might be able to catch them in Minneapolis or St. Louis the next!

On the other hand, you have the convenience of living in a smaller town in the Midwest with its safety, lower cost of living, convenient commuting times (be it by car, bus, or foot), and many outdoor recreational activities. Granted, we don’t have any mountains to climb or oceans to swim, but we do offer our own unique outdoor activities including RAGBRAI, the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. But, let’s not forget the most important thing, we’re known by many for our friendliness here!