Melanie Barbini

MD/PhD Student

Melanie Barbini graduated from Northeastern University in 2019 with a bachelor's in behavioral neuroscience. While completing her undergraduate career, she had the opportunity to complete research experiences with Dr. Annapurna Poduri and Dr. Mark Andermann at Boston Children's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, respectively. As a research associate in Dr. Poduri's lab, Melanie modeled epilepsy associated genes in zebrafish models and characterized genetic lines using behavioral screens. In Dr. Andermann's lab, Melanie started as a research associate and later became a research technician after she graduated. There she studied serotonin receptor expression on retinal ganglion cell presynaptic boutons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and their modulation of visual responses. Later in 2021, Melanie started her MD/PhD at UMASS Chan Medical School and joined the Schafer lab in 2023. She is co-mentored by Dr. Dorothy Schafer and Dr. David McManus and is interested in studying how atrial fibrillation may lead to the development of neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. Outside of the lab, Melanie loves practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, spending time with her dog, Teddy, and enjoying the outdoors.