Katelyn Joyal, PhD
Mentor
Program Start
August 2017
PhD Research Concentration
My primary research interest involves how dysfunction of the serotonin (5-HT) system influences neurological and neuropsychological disease. My current research looks at the role of 5-HT neuron dysfunction in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
In my first project, I am assessing the efficacy of drugs that increase serotonergic tone on breathing after seizures, as well as how sleep state during seizure induction affects the efficacy of these treatments.
In my second project, I'm using a form of calcium imaging called fiber photometry to measure neuronal activation of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus during and after seizures, as well as during arousal to carbon dioxide.
Dissertation Topic
The role of serotonin in postictal breathing, arousal, and mortality
Thesis Defense Date
December 2023
Current Position
Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Neuroscience
Tufts University
