Professor Dr. Alfredo Kirkwood

Biography

Alfredo Kirkwood is a Professor in the Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on the mechanisms of cortical modification and how sensory experience can profoundly influence the shaping of the functional organization of the cerebral cortex. Drawing from over 30 years of research, he has contributed significantly to the field of neural plasticity, particularly in the context of visual capabilities and learning in both humans and animals. Notably, his work has shed light on the processes of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in visual cortical slices, establishing comprehensive models that explain the underlying mechanisms of naturally occurring synaptic plasticity. His current research themes investigate the role of synaptic inhibition and neuromodulators in the regulation of LTP and LTD, especially during developmental stages. Kirkwood's findings suggest that the development of synaptic inhibition may limit the induction of LTP and LTD, constraining experience-based modifications to a short critical period. Additionally, he is exploring how neuromodulators associated with arousal may significantly enhance the induction of these plasticity forms, ultimately facilitating the modification of the visual cortex.

Research Interests