Samarasinghe Research Lab
Neural Circuit Development & Dynamics Lab
Investigating neural circuit formation to improve treatment for brain diseases.
Our Research
We seek to understand the biological mechanisms that result in the formation of neural circuits and how neurological disease can result in circuit dysfunction. Our goal is to leverage a deeper understanding of neural circuit formation and function into improved treatments for some of the most devastating, and currently untreatable, brain diseases. To achieve this, we employ multiple cutting-edge approaches including novel 3D human stem cell-based in vitro structures called brain organoids, functional multiphoton and fluorescence lifetime imaging, electrophysiology, and transcriptomics.
Our Videos
Pictured: Volumetric calcium indicator imaging of an organoid, captured using a high-speed piezo objective.
Pictured: Volumetric fluorescent imaging of a cleared whole organoid.
Lab News
- Congratulations to Colin McCrimmon, MD/PhD, on his CURE “Taking Flight Award”
- Welcome to new lab members Madiha Mohsen Chowdhury, PhD, and Adrianna Carrasco, MD!
- (Adrianna will be joining full-time in early 2026)