Aparna Shah

Aparna Shah

Assistant Professor

School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech

About Me

Hi! I am a neuroscientist who believes that discovering answers to the ‘Why?’ and ‘How?’ questions about our brains is empowering. These answers help us understand ourselves and those around us better. I have over ten years of research experience on a wide array of brain disorders, ranging from mental health illnesses, such as anxiety, depression and substance use disorders to neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Most recently, I was investigating the role of microRNAs in neuronal plasticity and stress-related psychiatric disorders and was awarded a Young Investigator Grant by the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation in 2018 to initiate this novel line of research. I am a former President of the Association for Women in Science - Baltimore Chapter.

Interests
  • Neurobiology of Affective Disorders
  • Science Education
  • Science Communication
  • Outreach
Education
  • PhD in Pharmacology (Neuroscience track), 2014

    UT Health San Antonio, TX, USA

  • MSc in Life Sciences (Neurobiology), 2007

    Sophia College for Women, Mumbai University, India

  • BSc in Life Sciences & Biochemistry, 2005

    St. Xavier's College, Mumbai University, India

Experience

 
 
 
 
 
School of Neurosscience, Virginia Tech
Assistant Professor
School of Neurosscience, Virginia Tech
July 2021 – Present Blacksburg, Virginia
 
 
 
 
 
Baraban Lab, Johns Hopkins University
Postdoctoral Fellow
Baraban Lab, Johns Hopkins University
June 2015 – July 2021 Baltimore, Maryland
 
 
 
 
 
Mathur Lab, University of Maryland
Postdoctoral Fellow
Mathur Lab, University of Maryland
June 2014 – May 2015 Baltimore, Maryland
 
 
 
 
 
Frazer Lab, UT Health San Antonio
PhD Candidate
Frazer Lab, UT Health San Antonio
September 2008 – May 2014 San Antonio, Texas
 
 
 
 
 
Junior Research Fellow
Panicker Lab, National Centre for Biological Sciences
July 2007 – May 2008 Bengaluru, India

News

Projects

Translin/trax: a microRNA-degrading enzyme

Translin/trax: a microRNA-degrading enzyme

Investigating the roles of translin/trax, a microRNA-degrading enzyme in the brain and beyond

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Development of a rat model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Ovarian Hormones and Antidepressants

Ovarian Hormones and Antidepressants

Influence of ovarian hormones on antidepressant drug treatment

Vagal Nerve Stimulation

Vagal Nerve Stimulation

Mechanisms underlying the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of vagal nerve stimulation, an FDA-approved therapy for treatment-resistant depression

Recent Publications

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Building and sustaining mentor interactions as a mentee
Mentorship is experience and/or knowledge-based guidance. Mentors support, sponsor and advocate for mentees. Having one or more mentors …

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