IBS neuroscience PhD candidates Natalie Boyle and Sydney Woods present discussions on their recent work …
Motor learning improves cognitive function and mPFC circuit dysfunction in Rett syndrome
Early life stress alters social behaviors partly via hypoactive serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus
Presented by
Natalie Boyle and Sydney Woods
Pharmacology and Physiology
George Washington University
Natalie is a 5th year Neuroscience PhD candidate in the Integrated Biomedical Sciences program at GWU, performing research under the mentorship of Hui Lu, MD. Natalie received her BS in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2021. Her work in the Lu Lab focuses on investigating the cognitive benefits conferred by a unique motor learning paradigm for females with Rett syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder.
Sydney is a 5th year PhD student in Neuroscience at GWU, where she works under the supervision of Abigail Polter, MD. She received her B.S. in Human Biology from North Carolina State University in 2019, as well as a M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from East Carolina University in 2021. Her research aims to address the complex relationship between early life stress, serotonergic activity, and social behaviors.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
12:30 pm – 01:30 pm
ROSS Hall 643
Lunch will be provided
12:15 - 12:30pm
