Researcher | Research Overview
My primary activity is to lead a laboratory-based research program. My research interests include understanding the network architecture and development of the brain's serotonin system and how it malfunctions in different disease states. Serotonin neurotransmission is associated with many psychological and behavioral disorders, yet it remains poorly understood how serotonin neurotransmission goes-wrong to generate distinct disorders. Our work spans from the level of channels and synaptic architecture to understanding the role of feedback inhibition and the global organization of serotonin neurons in the brain. Disorders of particular interest include depression, drug addiction, autism and SIDS.
Researcher | Research Background
Dr. Commons received her PhD at Cornell University Medical College. She was a postdoctoral fellow at the Rockefeller University, and a research assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She is currently an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital.