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Education
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Pharmacology (2013 - 2018)
Doctor of Philosophy - Pharmacology (2013 - 2018)
Doctor of Philosophy-Pharmacology
Georgetown University
Advisor: Stefano Vicini
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry (2006 - 2010)
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry (2006 - 2010)
University of Maryland, College Park
Teaching
Teaching
Learning Community Leader, Yale University (Fall 2021 - Present)
Learning Community Leader, Yale University (Fall 2021 - Present)
Led and organized a teaching-based learning community consisting of students and postdocs
The goal of the community is to assemble various components required for the teaching certificate including teaching statement, syllabus, and other course material
Discussion leader, Yale University, (Fall 2021)
Discussion leader, Yale University, (Fall 2021)
Course - Principles of Neuroscience
Student composition: graduate students
Facilitated discussion on two publications related to lecture taught the previous week
Lecturer, Oxford Royale Academy at Yale (Summer 2019)
Lecturer, Oxford Royale Academy at Yale (Summer 2019)
Workshop - Neurons and the Brain
Led and facilitated a hands on workshop for middle and high school aged visiting students
Presented and conveyed basic neuroscience ideas
Lecturer, Georgetown University (Spring 2017 - Summer 2017)
Lecturer, Georgetown University (Spring 2017 - Summer 2017)
Course - Introduction to Neurophysiology
Lecture - The Cerebellum and the Basal Ganglia
Small Group Leader, Georgetown University School of Medicine (Fall 2016 - Fall 2017)
Small Group Leader, Georgetown University School of Medicine (Fall 2016 - Fall 2017)
Course - Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Led and facilitated group discussion on nerve muscle physiology
Students were presented with four case studies and were required to answer the related questions and present the information to the group
Responsible for shaping the discussion and guided students in answering the questions
Received excellent student evaluation scores
Course Director, Georgetown University (Spring 2015 - Fall 2016)
Course Director, Georgetown University (Spring 2015 - Fall 2016)
Course - Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior
Collaborated with faculty to design curriculum and syllabus
Translated complex ideas using multimedia sources, including course-specific website
Mentored students on individual projects and assignments
Lectures: Addiction and Drugs of Abuse, Introduction to Neuroscience, Huntington’s Disease, Psychopathy, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Received excellent student evaluation scores
Lecturer, Georgetown University (Spring 2014 - Spring 2015)
Lecturer, Georgetown University (Spring 2014 - Spring 2015)
Course - Graduate Pharmacology
Lecture- Antifungals
Teaching Training and Awards
Teaching Training and Awards
Certificate of College Teaching Preparation for Postdocs (In progress, Spring 2022)
Certificate of College Teaching Preparation for Postdocs (In progress, Spring 2022)
Yale Center for Teaching and Learning
Sample of workshops taken:
Accessible Technology
Anti-racist Teaching Learning Community
Fundamentals of Inclusive Teaching
Gathering and Interpreting Feedback
Leading an Effective Discussion
Online Teaching
Preparing and Delivering and Effective Lecture
Religion in the Classroom
Rubrics and Grading in an Inclusive Classroom
Teaching First-Generation/Low-Income/Non-Traditional Students
Trauma Informed Teaching
Universal Design of Learning
An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching (Fall 2021)
An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching (Fall 2021)
The Center for the Integration of Research Teaching and Learning
Mental Health First Aid Training (Fall 2020)
Mental Health First Aid Training (Fall 2020)
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Graduate Student Teaching Award (Spring 2017)
Graduate Student Teaching Award (Spring 2017)
Georgetown University, The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Areas of Teaching Interest
Areas of Teaching Interest
Neuroscience
Neurobiology
Pharmacology
Physiology
Cell and Molecular Physiology
Biology
Biochemistry
*Other courses can be developed and taught upon request
Research
Research
October 2019 - Present: Yale University (New Haven, CT), Postdoctoral Fellow
October 2019 - Present: Yale University (New Haven, CT), Postdoctoral Fellow
The role L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) in regulating dopaminergic activity during cocaine abstinence
Implanted intravenous catheters into the jugular veins of rats and carried out a cocaine self-administration paradigm on an FR1 schedule
Oversaw the ordering and maintenance of laboratory supplies
Presented at weekly laboratory meetings
July 2013 - June 2018: Georgetown University (Washington, DC), PhD Candidate
July 2013 - June 2018: Georgetown University (Washington, DC), PhD Candidate
Physiological, Behavioral, and Histological Studies of Neuronal Dysfunction
Utilized electrophysiological measurements obtained via whole-cell patch clamp recordings
Analyzed excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic current properties (frequency, amplitude, rise time, decay time)
Examined neuronal passive and active properties obtained using current-clamp recordings
Probed source of altered synaptic transmission employing pharmacology
Determined morphological complexity utilizing confocal imaging of reconstructed immunostained biocytin filled neurons
Identified D1 and D2 spiny projection neurons (SPNs) via genetic expression of fluorescent markers
Classified the physiological and morphological characteristics of D1 and D2 SPNs in mouse nucleus accumbens (NuAcc)
Determined the role of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) on motor behavior and neuronal physiology in mouse NuAcc
Confirmed MMP-1 overexpression using western blot
Tested striatal activity and drug induced motor activity via i.p. injection of amphetamine
Utilized optogenetic activation of genetically identified neurons and pharmacology to determine GABAergic subunit composition at distinct synapses in the striatum
Tested the effect of neonatal phenobarbital exposure on GABAergic synaptic maturation in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons
Facilitated a skills group focused on electrophysiological techniques
Trained and supervised 1 undergraduate and 6 graduate students
Authored/co-authored 3 publications
Neuropathology and Assessment of Biomarkers
Evaluated the role of immunoglobulins as biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease in apolipoprotein (APOE) knock-in mice by examining brain, plasma, and spleen samples
Investigated the consequences of lipopolysaccharide treatment in rats on inflammatory marker protein and gene expression utilizing ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Co-authored 1 publication
September 2010 - June 2013: Georgetown University (Washington, DC), Research Assistant
September 2010 - June 2013: Georgetown University (Washington, DC), Research Assistant
Design, Implementation, and Analysis: Drug Screening, Pharmacodynamic Assays
Developed and conducted drug binding and functional assays to determine affinity, potency, selectivity and efficacy
Developed and maintained (50) stable human embryonic kidney cell lines (HEK293) which express distinct neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)
Maintained (14) transfected cell lines and harvested tissue for binding experiments
Collaborated with drug discovery lab to characterize the properties of a new class of nAChR drugs
Screened 16 drugs for binding affinity in 8 cell lines and rat forebrain tissue
Determined antibody potency using immunoprecipitation following protein purification
Tested drug side effects in a ferret model organism
Screened 90+ drugs for the National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program
Examined nAChR subunit composition utilizing immunoprecipitation
Co-authored 6 publications
Writing and Oratory Experience
Writing and Oratory Experience
Panelist: Yale Young Global Scholars Research Showcase (Summer 2021)
Invited guest on Her Royal Science podcast (Spring 2021)
Panelist: Strategies for a Successful Transition to the PhD (Fall 2020)
Created personal STEM media site to highlight and discuss topics in regard to academia
Authored science communication articles in Scientifica NeuroWire blog detailing electrophysiology techniques, grant writing tips, and how to choose a graduate program
Guest panelist for PhD Balance YouTube series: #GradChats
Invited guest on HerSTEMStory podcast which focuses on women in the STEM fields
Invited guest on The Science Pawdcast, a podcast focused on science, dogs, and empathy
Journal of Neuroscience Collaborating Reviewer (Fall 2018)
Authored an article detailing factors to consider when choosing a graduate school mentor
Presented data at local (4) and inter/national conferences (3)
Panelist: Life After College, Spring Career Night (Spring 2018)
Service Work
Service Work
Woman’s and Gender Minorities Mental Health Conference Coordinator
Woman’s and Gender Minorities Mental Health Conference Coordinator
Fall 2021 – Present
Panels subcommittee member
Session’s submission reviewer
Yale Postgrad Symposium Abstract Reviewer (Summer 2021)
Yale Postgrad Symposium Abstract Reviewer (Summer 2021)
The Yale BBS Diversity and Inclusion Collective (YBDIC) Mentor (Spring 2021 – Present)
The Yale BBS Diversity and Inclusion Collective (YBDIC) Mentor (Spring 2021 – Present)
eNeuro Reviewer (Spring 2021 – Present)
eNeuro Reviewer (Spring 2021 – Present)
Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Abstract Reviewer (Fall 2020 – Present)
Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Abstract Reviewer (Fall 2020 – Present)
Molecular Psychiatry Journal Club Leader (Summer 2020)
Molecular Psychiatry Journal Club Leader (Summer 2020)
Yale Postdoctoral Association Advocacy Committee Member (Winter 2019 – Present)
Yale Postdoctoral Association Advocacy Committee Member (Winter 2019 – Present)
Planned Mental Health First Aid Course
Planned Mental Health First Aid Course
Search Committee Member, Seminars at Yale Neuroscience (SYNAPSES)
Search Committee Member, Seminars at Yale Neuroscience (SYNAPSES)
Fall 2018 - Spring 2020
Developed application and related questions
Reviewed and selected applicants
Hosted and coordinated visit of speaker
Board Member, Woman in Science at Yale (WISAY)
Board Member, Woman in Science at Yale (WISAY)
Summer 2018 - Fall 2019
Coordinated Distinguished Woman in Science Luncheon
Mentored two graduate students
Winter Care Package Drive Organizer Winter 2017 – Present
Winter Care Package Drive Organizer Winter 2017 – Present
Developed list of needed items
Fundraised via social media and listservs, raised over $2700 in monetary funds in 2021
Coordinated the distribution of packages with local soup kitchen
Society for Neuroscience Member
Society for Neuroscience Member
Treasurer, Medical Center Graduate Student Organization
Treasurer, Medical Center Graduate Student Organization
Fall 2015 - Spring 2017
Developed and managed budget
Coordinated with school officials to process reimbursements
Managed 4 officers
Implemented new program that provides PhD candidates with business cards
Publications
Publications
Nour Al-muhtasib, P. Forcelli, S. Vicini. (2018). Differential electrophysiological properties of D1 and D2 spiny projection neurons in the mouse nucleus accumbens core. Physiological Reports. Full article.
Fitch RW, Snider BB, Zhou Q, Foxman BM, Pandya AA, Yakel JL, Olson TT, Al-Muhtasib N, Xiao Y, Welch KD, Panter KE. Absolute configuration and pharmacology of the poison frog alkaloid phantasmidine. Journal of natural products, 81(4):1029-1035. Full article.
Nour Al-muhtasib, A. Sepulveda-Rodriguez, S. Vicini, and P. Forcelli. (2018). Neonatal phenobarbital exposure disrupts GABAergic synaptic maturation in rat CA1 neurons. Epilepsia,59(2):333-344. Full article.
Tuan EW, Horti AG, Olson TT, GAO Y, Stockmeier CA, Al-muhtasib N, Bowman Dalley C, Lewin AE, Wolfe BB, Sahibzada N, Xiao Y, Kellar KJ. (2015) AT-1001 is a partial agonist with high affinity and selectivity at human and rat alpha3beta4 nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Molecular pharmacology. 88(4):640-9. Full article.
Y. Zhou, W. Zhao, N. Al-muhtasib, GW. Rebeck. (2015) APOE genotype: alters immunoglobulin subtypes in knock-in mice. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Full article.
Y. Liu, M. Paige, T. Olson, N. Al-muhtasib, T. Xie, S. Hou, M. White, A. Cordova, J. Guo, K. Kellar, Y. Xiao, M. Brown. (2014) Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of new neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligands derived from Sazetidine-A. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters, 24(13):2954-6. Full article.
V. Yenogonda, Y. Xiao, E. Levin, A. Rezvani, T. Tran, N. Al-muhtasib, N. Sahibzada, T. Xie, C. Wells, S. Slade, J. Johnson, S. Dakshanamurthy, H. Kong, Y. Tomita, Y. Lieu, M. Paige, K. Kellar, M. Brown. (2013) Design, synthesis and discovery of picmolar selective alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligands. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 52(21):8404-21. Full article.
Y. Liu, J. Richardson, T. Tran, N. Al-muhtasib, T. Xie, V. Yenugonda, H. Sexton, A. Rezvani, E. Levin, N. Sahibzada, K. Kellar, M. Brown, Y. Xiao, M. Paige. (2013) Chemistry and pharmacological studies of 3-alkoxy02,5-substituded-pyridyl compounds, novel selective alpha4beta2 nAChRs ligands that reduces alcohol Intake in Rats. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 56(7):3000-11. Full article.
C. Beinat, SD. Banister, S. van Prehn, D. MR. Doddareddy, D. Hibbs, M. Sako, M. Chebib, T. Tran, N. Al-muhtasib, Y. Xiao, M. Kassiou. (2012). Consequences of linker length alteration of the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, SEN12333. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters, 22(7):2380-4. Full article.
Awards and Honors
Awards and Honors
Awarded the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F32) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship
Awarded Graduate School of Arts and Sciences travel grant
Awarded Medical Center Graduate Student Organization travel grants (3) and a course grant (1)
Recognized and awarded for exemplary poster presentation at American Physiological Society DMV Chapter Annual meeting
Journal of Neuroscience Review Mentoring Program (Spring 2018)
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