Dr. Albert Herrera

Biography

Professor Herrera’s research focuses on development, growth, and regulation of synaptic plasticity in the vertebrate nervous system. He investigates the formation and subsequent elimination of the nervous system’s overabundance of synaptic connections during embryonic development, which is shown to occur as an activity-dependent, competitive process controlled by the expression of ion channels, resulting in a permanent adult set of neural connections. His research spans neural development, learning and memory, and neural recovery after injury, with a focus on the long-term effects of altered activity on synaptic efficiency. Using a frog model, he focuses on events at the neuromuscular junction. His lab also investigates the role of Schwann cells in the development and growth of peripheral synapses, revealing that these glial cells contribute to motor axon growth and new synapse formation as well as synaptic enlargement.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards