Education: BSc, MSc Biomedical Science (University of Guelph)
E-mail: shamidul@uwo.ca
Website: linkedin.com/in/shahnaza-hamidullah-01217916b
Description of Research Projects:
My research aims to understand the brain changes underlying cognitive impairments in Schizophrenia. Cognitive symptoms are a core clinical feature of schizophrenia but are not treated adequately, leading to poor functional outcomes. Thus, it is paramount to explore neural mechanisms underlying cognitive symptoms to identify novel therapeutic avenues with the goal of improving the quality of life for patients with schizophrenia. Specifically, I will be investigating the role of interaction between neuromodulators and inhibitory neurons within the prefrontal cortex in cognition relevant to schizophrenia using mouse models. To do this, I will use combination of fiber photometry and optogenetics with automated touchscreen cognitive testing.