Valerie Tornini, PhD

I am a developmental biologist aiming to understand: 1) What are the gene regulatory networks that establish the cellular diversity of a developing brain? 2) How are cell types and circuits affected when these networks are disrupted? Specifically, I investigate the roles during vertebrate development of chromatin modifiers implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders risk, and of novel micropeptides (or sORF-encoded proteins). Using genome engineering, single-cell technologies, behavioral analyses, and genomics using the vertebrate zebrafish (Danio rerio) system, my work spans basic biological discovery and human health implications, especially for neurodevelopmental disorders. My postdoctoral work is supported by a Hartwell Foundation Fellowship (2018-2020) and a K99/R00 Pathway to Independence (NICHD) award.

For more information, please visit valerietornini.com.