The Seth Tomchik Laboratory
Neuroscience of Learning, Memory, and Genetic Disorders
Our research focuses intensively on uncovering the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its alterations in genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis type 1. We strive to develop and maintain a positive, collaborative lab environment with open communication, continually increasing the rigor, creativity, and depth of our science, fostering the development and advancement of our lab members, and supporting the search for truth and fight for justice in all realms. We value diversity and see it as a contribution to our success. Our lab is located at the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, in the Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology and the Iowa Neuroscience Institute, with additional appointment in the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics. If you are interested in joining the team, check out our open positions and contact Seth Tomchik.
Experiences
The Team
Seth Tomchik
Professor, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Pediatrics; Associate Director, Iowa Neuroscience Institute
Dr. Tomchik received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and Ph.D. in biology from the University of Miami. His postdoctoral research at the Baylor College of Medicine and The Scripps Research Institute focused on the neuroscience of learning and memory. He started his lab at Scripps Florida in 2012 and moved to the University of Iowa in 2022. His current research focuses on how learning and neuronal plasticity alter the flow of information in the brain, and how these normal processes are disrupted in disease states.
Aaron Stahl
Assistant Research Scientist
Dr. Stahl received a bachelor’s/master’s degree in biology from the University of Northern Iowa and a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Cincinnati. His postdoctoral research focuses on the function of neuronal circuits underlying learning and memory.
Valentina Botero
Graduate Student
Valentina earned her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and behavior from Mount Holyoke College, and is working toward her Ph.D. in the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at The Scripps Research Institute. Her graduate research in the Tomchik lab is focused on studying the effects of neurofibromin loss of function on metabolic homeostasis, including feeding and basal metabolic rate.
Connor Broyles
Postdoctoral Associate
Dr. Broyles earned his D.Phil. in Medical Sciences from the University of Oxford, and his Masters and Bachelors degrees in cellular and molecular biology at Ruprecht-Karls Universität Heidelberg and the University of Arizona, respectfully. For his postdoctoral research, Dr. Broyles is applying his expertise in human iPS modeling of inherited disease to uncover novel molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying neurofibromin loss of function.
Genesis Omana Suarez
Postbacc Scholar
Genesis completed her bachelor's degree in Biology at the FAU Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. Her postbacc research in the lab focuses on dissecting how loss of Nf1 in different neuronal circuits affects spontaneous grooming behavior.
Ritu Arya
Graduate Student
Ritu earned her BSc in Genetics from Garden City College and her MPhil from the University of Newcastle, and she has research experience in both academia and industry. She is a doctoral student in Neuroscience and Pharmacology. Her research interests focus on metabolism and genetic disorders.
Timothy Stelmat
Engineer
Tim received his Associates in Electronics Systems Technology from the USAF. He is pursuing a B.S. in Electrical Engineering (Computer) and working in the lab to develop hardware and optics for behavioral experiments.
Trevor Jones
Graduate Student
Trevor is a Ph.D. student in the Biomedical Sciences graduate program. He is currently rotating in the Tomchik lab, examining how dopaminergic circuits modulate learning.
Anthony Lange
Postdoctoral Associate
Anthony earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Miami and his Ph.D. from University of California Merced. His postdoctoral research in the Tomchik lab is focused on understanding how neuromodulatory circuits influence learning and memory.
Jenifer Barrios
Undergraduate Intern
Jenifer is studying to earn her bachelor's degree in Health and Human Physiology at the University of Iowa. Her research in the Tomchik lab focuses on the role of Nf1 in modulating neuronal circuit function.
Jalen Emel
Undergraduate Intern
Jalen is studying to earn his bachelor's degree in Neuroscience at the University of Iowa. He joined the lab in Spring 2023 and is focusing on the role of Nf1 in modulating neuronal circuit function.
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