{"id":20567,"date":"2025-06-11T13:43:09","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T17:43:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/biology\/?post_type=profile&p=20567"},"modified":"2026-05-06T14:24:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T18:24:34","slug":"adrian-thompson","status":"publish","type":"profile","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/biology\/people\/profiles\/adrian-thompson\/","title":{"rendered":"Adrian Thompson"},"content":{"rendered":"

CV<\/a><\/p>\n

Current Research<\/h3>\n

Brain activity plays a crucial role in instructing and shaping the maturation of neurons and neural circuits.\u00a0 My research aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable neurons and circuits in the developing nervous system to adapt and maintain function in response to changing activity\u2014whether from sensory experience or abnormal conditions such as seizures.<\/p>\n

Using the visual system of Xenopus laevis<\/em> as an experimental model, I investigate: (1) the molecular and cellular processes that allow neurons and circuits to preserve function throughout development and during short-term adaptation to visual stimuli; (2) the impact of voltage-gated sodium channel dysfunction on the maturation of cells and circuits and how this leads to seizures; and (3) the integration of neurons born later in brain development into existing circuits, and how this integration is influenced by seizure activity.<\/p>\n

While I continue to engage in research collaborations, my primary focus is undergraduate science education.\u00a0 I draw on my background in molecular and cellular neurobiology, along with a strong commitment to evidence-based teaching practices, to design and teach neuroscience courses.\u00a0 My classes emphasize a student-centered approach that nurtures the development of critical thinking skills and an understanding of the scientific method and effective science communication, all while building a robust foundation in core concepts in neuroscience.<\/p>\n

Selected Publications<\/h3>\n