Dr. Viviana Gradinaru

Biography

Professor Viviana Gradinaru is a prominent figure in the field of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, holding the Lois Victor Troendle Professorship at the California Institute of Technology. She is also an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and serves as the Director of the Richard N. Merkin Institute for Translational Research. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from Caltech in 2005, followed by a Ph.D. from Stanford University in 2010. Gradinaru's pioneering research focuses on neurotechnologies for understanding and repairing nervous systems, particularly through the development of optogenetic techniques and tissue clearing methods. Her work has explored the circuitry underlying neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and the effects of chronic experiences on brain networks. As a researcher, she aims to develop advanced technologies that enable precise manipulation of neuronal networks to define changes affecting cellular function and health. Gradinaru's laboratory continues to innovate in the field, researching the mechanisms behind altered neuronal circuits and their implications for behavior and overall brain function.

Research Interests

Experience

Courses