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Volker Hartenstein is a prominent figure in the field of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, focusing on the genetic and developmental aspects of neuronal connectivity in the Drosophila model system. His research investigates how gene expression influences neuronal connectivity and brain function. Hartenstein's lab is dedicated to elucidating the wiring properties of neurons and how they connect to form functional circuits, specifically studying the anterior visual pathway (AVP) in flies. Through detailed reconstructions of neuronal lineages, his work aims to establish a link between the structural formation of neuronal circuits and the genetic regulation underlying their development. He employs advanced microscopy techniques combined with software tools to achieve high-resolution mapping of synaptic connections within the small larval brain. Hartenstein's contributions extend to comparative studies of neural development across various taxa, particularly focusing on basal metazoans like flatworms and cnidarians, providing insights into the evolution of central nervous systems. His extensive publication record includes influential works on the development of nervous systems and the genetics of neural patterning.
University of California, Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA
Teaching and conducting research in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology.
Department of Economics admits primarily for the PhD program.