John Walsh (American scientist)

John P. Walsh, Ph.D. is an associate professor at the USC Davis School of Gerontology as well as a member of USC's Neuroscience Program.[1] His main research interest is the physiology of basal ganglia-related brain disease.[2]

Career

Walsh's research career focuses on understanding how synapses in the basal ganglia, and in particular, corticostriatal synapses are modified by use or experience and how these use-dependent changes in synapses strength translate into behavior. A particular focus has been the role played by dopamine in guiding “plasticity” at corticostriatal synapses and how pathology in dopamine function in disease impacts the ability of the basal ganglia to process information.[3][4]

Walsh is also a dedicated surfer[5] and was interviewed on the brain chemistry and biological advantages of UFC fighter Randy Couture on the ESPN2 special The Body Issue in 2010.[6][7][8]

Awards

He has also won several awards for his technology-based innovations for science education, including the USC Provost Prize for Teaching with Technology in 2008 as well as earning a $149,891 grant by the National Science Foundation to create an online learning tool.[9][10][11]

Publications

Crawford CA, Akopian G, Ring J, Jakowec MW, Petzinger GM, Andersen JK, Vittozzi-Wong P, Wang K, Farley CM, Charntikov S, Mitroi D, Beal MF, Chow R, Walsh JP. Acute response and long-term adaptation of dopaminergic nigrostriatal synapses to a brief exposure to the complex II inhibitor 3-nitropropionic acid. Synapse, 65:339–350, 2011.

Siviy SM, Crawford CA, Akopian G, Walsh JP. Dysfunctional play and dopamine physiology in the Fischer 344 rat. Behavioral Brain Research, 220:294-304, 2011.

Walsh JP, Sun J C-Y, Riconscente M. Online teaching tool simplifies faculty use of multimedia and improves student interest and knowledge in science. CBE-Life Sciences Education 10: 298-308, 2011.

References

  1. ↑ "Experts Directory: John P. Walsh". USC Media and Public Relations. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  2. ↑ "Faculty Profile: John Walsh". USC Davis School of Gerontology. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  3. ↑ Marziali, Carl. "Reaching Toward the Fountain of Youth". USC News. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  4. ↑ "Exercise May Aid Parkinson’s Patients". ScienceDaily. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  5. ↑ "Gerontology - John Walsh". YouTube. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  6. ↑ "The Body Issue (2010)". The Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  7. ↑ Riggs, Jonathan. "John Walsh, UFC, and ESPN2". USC Davis School of Gerontology. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  8. ↑ Howard, Crystal. "ESPN The Magazine: ‘Body Issue’ – ‘Bodies We Want’ Athletes Announced; ESPN2 to Feature Special". ESPN MediaZone. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  9. ↑ Bezaitis, Athan. "John Walsh to Develop Online Tool". USC News. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  10. ↑ "CET: Faculty Fellows: John Walsh". USC Center for Excellence in Teaching. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  11. ↑ Walsh, John et al. "Online Teaching Tool Simplifies Faculty Use of Multimedia and Improves Student Interest and Knowledge in Science". CBE Life Sci Educ. Retrieved 20 March 2012.