Adam Lee Weaver's Vitae

Curriculum Vitae

Adam Lee Weaver

Assistant Professor
Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences
Xavier University of Louisiana
College of Pharmacy Suite 425
1 Drexel Drive
New Orleans, LA 70125-1098

voice: (504) 520-5325
fax: (504) 520-7930
email: aweaver (at)

xula.edu
website: http://webusers.xula.edu/aweaver/

PDF copy of CV

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH SUMMARY

University of Washington in the lab of Dr. David Perkel (experimental research)

Explored activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in a forebrain circuit involved in acquisition of learned vocal motor patterns in the songbird zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata).
Characterized the physiological properties and intrinsic conductances in a premotor nucleus involved in song production.

Emory University in the lab of Dr. Ron Calabrese (computer modeling research)

Created a full network model of the central pattern generator underlying contractions in the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) heart.
Produced a database exploring the activity patterns of a medicinal leech elemental oscillator network model across ionic conductance parameter space.

GRADUATE RESEARCH SUMMARY

Ohio University in the lab of Dr. Scott Hooper (experimental and computer modeling research)

Characterized the synaptic mechanisms of pyloric network phase maintenance and cycle frequency control in the spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus).
Investigated requirements for network entrainment in pyloric network and model pyloric neurons.

Dissertation: "The functional roles of the Lateral Pyloric and Ventricular Dilator neurons in the pyloric network of the lobster, Panulirus interruptus." (PDF)

EDUCATION

2005-2007	Postdoctoral Fellow, Otolaryngology Dept., Univ. Wash., Advisor: Dr. David Perkel
2002-2004	Postdoctoral Fellow, Biology Dept., Emory Univ., Advisor: Dr. Ron Calabrese
1997	Simulations in Computational Neuroscience Workshop, Pittsburgh Supercomputer Center
1995-2002	Ph.D., Neuroscience Program, Ohio Univ., Advisor: Dr. Scott Hooper
1994-1995	Ph.D. Student, Integrative Biology Program, UCLA, Advisor: Dr. Charles Taylor
1990-1994	B.A., Biology and Psych. Majors, Univ. of Delaware, Advisor: Dr. Robert Simons

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2008-Present	Assistant Professor, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana
2007-2008	Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Xavier University of Louisiana
2005-2007	Postdoctoral Fellow, Univ. of Washington, Otolaryngology Department
Spring 2004	Co-instructor, Spelman College, Biology Department (Syllabus)
2002-2004	Postdoctoral Fellow, Emory Univ., Biology Department
1998-2002	Research Assistant, Ohio Univ., Department of Biological Sciences
1995-1998	Teaching Assistant, Ohio Univ., Department of Biological Sciences
1994-1995	Teaching Assistant, UCLA, Department of Integrative Biology
1993-1994	Teaching Assistant, Univ. of Delaware, Department of Biological Sciences

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

1996-Present

Society for Neuroscience

UNIVERSITY AND ACADEMIC SERVICE

2007-2008	Center for the Advancement of Teaching Advisory Committee, Xavier Univ. of LA
2005-2007	Minority Student Bioscience Experience, Univ. Washington
2005-2007	Brain Awareness Week, Univ. Washington
2005-2007	Postdoctoral Association, Univ. Washington
2002-2004	Exec. Committee (Appointed), Atlanta Chapter of the Soc. for Neuroscience
1999-2000	Graduate Council (Appointed), Ohio Univ.
1998-2001	Neuroscience Program Graduate Student Representative (Appointed), Ohio Univ.
1997	Stomatogastric Satellite Meeting, Joint Organizer, New Orleans
1996-1998	Biological Sciences Grad. Admissions Committee (Appointed), Ohio Univ.
1996-1997	Graduate Council (Appointed), Ohio Univ.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

2008-2009	Teaching Lab Equipment & Materials Grant, Xavier Univ. of Louisiana College of Pharmacy, $43,100
2007-2008	Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium Grant, Xavier Univ. of Louisiana, $25,000 (declined)
2007-Present	Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society
2007-2008	MIE-STEM Faculty Mini-Grants, Xavier Univ. of Louisiana Ctr. For Undergraduate Research, $10,000 & student stipend
2005-2006	NRSA Training Grant, Univ. Washington School of Medicine
2002-2004	Fellowship in Research and Science Teaching, Emory Univ. School of Medicine
1996-1999	Ohio Univ. Doctoral Teaching and Research Fellowship
1993-1994	Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society
1992-1994	Univ. of Delaware Research Fellowship
1990-1994	National Merit Scholarship

MANUSCRIPTS IN PREPARATION

J Meitzen, AL Weaver, EA Brenowitz, DJ Perkel (2008) Electrophysiological properties of song control neurons in RA, but not HVC, change with breeding condition in the Gambel's white-crowned sparrow. J Neurophysiol.

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2008) A Role for Compromise: Synaptic Inhibition and Electrical Coupling Interact to Control Phasing in the Leech Heartbeat CPG. J Neurosci.

REFEREED PUBLICATIONS (*: Authors contributed equally)

BJ Norris*, AL Weaver*, A Wenning, PA Garcia, RL Calabrese (2007) A central pattern generator producing alternative outputs: Pattern, strength and dynamics of premotor synaptic input to leech heart motor neurons. J Neurophysiol, Nov 2007; 98:2992-3005. (PDF) (Link)

BJ Norris*, AL Weaver*, A Wenning, PA Garcia, RL Calabrese (2007) A central pattern generator producing alternative outputs: Phase relations of leech heart motor neurons with respect to premotor synaptic input. J Neurophysiol, Nov 2007; 98:2983-2991. (PDF) (Link)

BJ Norris*, AL Weaver*, LG Morris, A Wenning, PA Garcia, RL Calabrese (2006) A central pattern generator producing alternative outputs: temporal pattern of premotor activity. J Neurophys. 96(1):309-26. (PDF) (Link)

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2003) Relating network synaptic connectivity and network activity in the lobster (Panulirus interruptus) pyloric network. J Neurophys. 90(4):2378-2386. (PDF) (Link)

JB Thuma, LG Morris, AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2003) Lobster (Panulirus interruptus) pyloric muscles express the motor patterns of three neural networks, only one of which innervates the muscles. J. Neurosci. 23(26):8911-8920. (PDF) (Link)

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2003) Follower Neurons in Lobster (Panulirus interruptus) Pyloric Network Regulate Pacemaker Period in Complementary Ways. J Neurophys. 89(3):1327-1338. (PDF) (Link)

NJ Hoover, AL Weaver, PI Harness, SL Hooper (2002) Combinatorial and cross-fiber averaging transform muscle electrical responses with a large random component into deterministic contractions. J. Neurosci. 22(5):1895-1904. (PDF) (Link)

NON-REFEREED FULL LENGTH PUBLICATIONS

SL Hooper, AL Weaver (2000) Motor neuron activity is often insufficient to predict motor response. Curr. Opinion in Neurobiol. 10(6):676-682. (PDF) (Link)

PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS (*: Authors contributed equally)

AL Weaver, J Meitzen, EA Brenowitz, DJ Perkel (2007) Breeding conditions alter intrinsic electrophysiological properties of song control neurons in Gambel’s white crowned sparrows. Soc Neurosci Abstr 33: Online (751.5).

BJ Norris, AL Weaver, A Wenning, PA Garcia, RL Calabrese (2006) Control of motor neuron activity by a CPG: a case for unpacking. Soc Neurosci Abstr 32: Online (350.5).

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2005) A role for compromise: Inhibitory and electrical synapse effects on phasing in the leech heartbeat CPG. Computational Neuroscience Meeting Abstr 14:45.

D Perkins-Balding*, AL Weaver* (2004) Approach, design, and evaluation of an introductory biology course taught by FIRST fellows at Spelman College. IRACDA Meeting Abstr.

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2003) Effects of chemical and electrical synapses on phase relationships in a complete model of the heartbeat CPG in the medicinal leech. Soc Neurosci Abstr 29: Online (605.10).

AL Weaver, KH Hobbs, SL Hooper (2001) Synaptic coupling greatly increases the range of "non-integer" (n:m) entrainment. International Congress of Neuroethology Meeting. 6:250.

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2000) Within the normal pyloric frequency range, removal of LP and VD neuron input has very little effect on pyloric activity. Soc Neurosci Abstr 26:454.

E Buchman, JB Thuma, AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2000) Model conductances that reproduce the PY neuron delay shifts observed in response to changes in stimulus paradigm. Soc Neurosci Abstr 26:2000.

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (1999) Integer (1:1, 2:1) and non-integer (2:3, 3:4) entrainment of the pyloric pacemaker by rhythmic current injection into the follower LP and VD neurons. Soc Neurosci Abstr 25:1642.

N Hoover, N Weathington, AL Weaver, SL Hooper (1999) EJP amplitude shows large random variation in several intrinsic pyloric muscle in Panulirus. Soc Neurosci Abstr 25:1642.

AL Weaver, JB Thuma, SL Hooper (1998) What role do the LP and VD neurons play in pyloric network phase maintenance? Soc Neurosci Abstr 24:1891.

AL Weaver, RA DiCaprio, SL Hooper (1996) Existing stomatogastric neuron models predict some, but not all, responses to rhythmic input. Soc Neurosci Abstr 22:131.

MENTORED UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
2007-2009	Bria Miller (Xavier University)	Role of synaptic coupling on phase relationships in a complete model of the heartbeat CPG in the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis.
1999-2002	Kevin Hobbs (Ohio Univ.)	Identified the muscles innervated by the PY neurons of the pyloric network. Investigated pyloric pacemaker entrainment using two dimensional neuron models. Research support: Program to Aid Career Exploration award Presentations: 2001 International Congress of Neuroethology (poster) Presently working as a research technician in the lab of Dr. Scott Hooper.
1998-2000	Neil Hoover (Ohio Univ.)	Compared different types of pyloric muscles' excitatory junctional potentials and contractile properties. Research results were published in J. Neurosci., 2002, and his undergraduate honors thesis. Research support: Program to Aid Career Exploration Award Received Ohio University Student Enhancement award and Outstanding Undergraduate Research Presentation award (both university-wide competitions). Presentations: 1999 Society for Neuroscience (poster), 1999 East Coast Nerve Net (talk) Presently serving as a sales representative for CIBA Vision.
1998	Nate Weathington (Univ. of South Alabama)	Investigated and recorded pyloric muscle excitatory junctional potentials. Research support: NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Presentations: 1999 East Coast Nerve Net (talk), 1998 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (talk) Presently enrolled in an MD/PhD program, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham.
1996	Julie Rappaport (Bowdoin College)	Compared passive electrotonic models of different pyloric neuron types. Measured pyloric neuron electrotonic properties to study the efficacy of synapses. Research support: NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Presentations: 1996 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (talk)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Xavier University	Human Anatomy & Physiology (College of Pharmacy, College of Arts & Sciences) Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab (College of Pharmacy) Redesigned course to incorporate both hands-on and computerized labs. General Biology (College of Arts & Sciences) General Biology Lab (College of Arts & Sciences)
Spelman College	General Biology II (co-instructor: Spring 2004; Syllabus) Redesigned course to incorporate group discussion and research papers. General Biology II (guest lectures) Neurobiology (guest lectures) Advisor: Dr. Michael (Gene) McGinnis
Emory University	Postdoctoral Teaching Practicum (training as a student in best teaching practices) Advisor: Dr. Arri Eisen
Ohio University	Human Neuroscience (Human Neuroanatomy Lab) Introduction to Zoology (Survey of the Animal Kingdom) Neuroscience Methods (Neurophysiology Experimental Lab) Population and Community Ecology Principles of Physiology I Principles of Physiology II Statistics Time, Change, and Dynamic Systems (guest lectures)
UCLA	Cells, Tissues, and Organs Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity Genetics Teaching Apprentice Practicum (training as a student)
University of Delaware	Genetics and Evolutionary Biology Lab Undergraduate Tutor in Biology and Psychology

INVITED TALKS

Life-Sustaining Rhythm: Ebb and Flow in the Leech Heartbeat System, School of Mathematics and Science, Reinhardt College, 2008.

Life-Sustaining Rhythm: Ebb and Flow in the Leech Heartbeat System, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Bridgewater State College, 2007.

Life-Sustaining Rhythm: Ebb and Flow in the Leech Heartbeat System, Dept. of Biological Sciences, California State University - East Bay, 2007.

Life-Sustaining Rhythm: Ebb and Flow in the Leech Heartbeat System, Dept. of Biology, Xavier University of Louisiana, 2007.

Life-Sustaining Rhythm: Ebb and Flow in the Leech Heartbeat System, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Benedictine University, 2007.

RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS (*: Authors contributed equally)

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2005) A role for compromise: synaptic inhibition and electrical coupling on phase relationships in a complete model of the heartbeat CPG in the medicinal leech. Computational Neuroscience Meeting.

D Perkins-Balding*, AL Weaver* (2004) Approach, design, and evaluation of an introductory biology course taught by FIRST fellows at Spelman College. IRACDA Meeting.

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2004) Effects of synaptic inhibition and electrical coupling on phase relationships in a complete model of the medicinal leech heartbeat CPG. South East Nerve Net Meeting.

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2003) Effects of chemical and electrical synapses on phasing in a complete model of the heartbeat CPG in the medicinal leech. South East Nerve Net Meeting.

LG Morris, AL Weaver, BJ Norris, RL Calabrese (2003) Phases of premotor and switch heart interneurons in the leech. South East Nerve Net Meeting.

AL Weaver, KH Hobbs, SL Hooper (2001) Synaptic coupling greatly increases the range of "non-integer" (n:m) entrainment. International Congress of Neuroethology Meeting.

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2000) Within the normal pyloric frequency range, removal of LP and VD neuron input has very little effect on pyloric activity. Stomatogastric Satellite Meeting.

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2000) Within the normal pyloric frequency range, removal of LP and VD neuron input has very little effect on pyloric activity. East Coast Nerve Net Meeting.

N Hoover, N Weathington, A Weaver, SL Hooper (1999) EJP amplitude shows large random variation in several intrinsic pyloric muscles in Panulirus. East Coast Nerve Net Meeting.

AL Weaver (1994) Distributed problem solving. Southern California Artificial Life Meeting.

AL Weaver, RF Simons (1994) The effect of visual imagery on human startle response. University of Delaware Undergraduate Research Symposium.

ELECTED SERVICE

2000-2002	Democratic Party Central Committee (Senator), Athens County, Ohio
1998-2000	Univ. Graduate Student Senate (Senator), Ohio Univ.
1996-1997	Univ. Graduate Student Senate, Ohio Univ.

REFERENCES

Research
Ronald L. Calabrese, Ph.D. Professor of Biology Emory University Department of Biology O. Wayne Rollins Research Center 1510 Clifton Road NE Atlanta , GA 30322-4218 voice: (404) 727-0319 email: ronald.calabrese emory.edu			Scott L. Hooper, Ph.D. Professor of Biology Ohio University Department of Biological Sciences 108 Irvine Hall Athens, OH, 45701 voice: (740) 593-0679 email: hooper ohio.edu			David J. Perkel, Ph.D. Professor of Biology and Otolaryngology University of Washington Box 356515 1959 NE Pacific St. HSB BB1165 Seattle, Washington 98195-6515 voice: (206) 221-2477 email: perkel u.washington.edu

*Teaching*
Robert C. Blake II, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Pharmacy Div. of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy Ste. 425 1 Drexel Drive New Orleans, LA 70125-1098 voice: (504) 520-7489 email: rblake xula.edu			Arri Eisen, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer Emory University Department of Biology O. Wayne Rollins Research Center 1510 Clifton Road NE Atlanta , GA 30322-4218 voice: (404) 727-4354 email: arri.eisen emory.edu			Michael (Gene) McGinnis, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology Spelman College 350 Spelman Ln SW Box #213 Atlanta, GA 30314-4399 voice: (404) 270-5720 email: gmcginnis spelman.edu

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