Faculty Directory

Speer, Colenso

Speer, Colenso

Assistant Professor
Biology
College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Brain and Behavior Institute
1112 Bioscience Research Building
Website(s):

The brain is a complex and well-organized biological machine containing many circuits working in parallel. We are interested in understanding how molecular-genetic developmental programs and activity in immature neural networks intersect to drive the maturation of neural circuits, regulate their ongoing plasticity, and contribute to system failures in disease states.

To narrow the problem, we focus on studying the development of parallel sensory processing pathways in the mammalian visual system. The retina uses specialized circuits to parse different properties of the visual world such as color, contrast, luminance, and motion into separate functional channels. These independent representations are then carried by separate subtypes of neurons from the eyes to different central targets in the brain. Early in development, connections from the eyes to the brain are imprecise. Over time, synaptic connections are refined to generate ordered communication between presynaptic and postsynaptic partners. The mechanisms instructing this process are unknown.

We design experiments to investigate the development and plasticity of structure/function relationships in parallel visual microcircuits in retinorecipient areas. We use genetic labeling technologies, electrophysiological recording methods, and advanced structural imaging tools to mark specific neural circuits, characterize their function, and reconstruct their molecular and synaptic architecture. Our goal is to further our understanding of neural circuit development and make contributions toward the development of cures for neurodevelopmental disorders and blinding diseases.

BACKGROUND

Postdoctoral fellow, Harvard University, 2016

Ph.D. Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, 2010

B.S. Molecular Biosciences/Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 2004

'Eye-Opening' Study Sheds Light on Circadian Pacemaker

BBI-supported researchers studied synaptic changes in an animal model before and after it developed vision, which plays a key role in circadian rhythm.

2023 BBI Seed Grants Inspire New Interdisciplinary Collaborations

The six interdisciplinary teams will use state-of-the-art neuroscience tools to translate basic science research into real-world impact.

UMD Chemist Pioneers Tool for Eavesdropping on Neurons

Custom-built technology from BBI investigator Peter Nemes identifies and quantifies hundreds of different proteins in a single neuron.

CBCB Doctoral Student Studies Changes in Neurons that Affect Mammals’ Sleep Cycles

Theresa Alexander is advised by BBI seed grant award winners Colenso Speer and Najib El-Sayed

Five UMCP-UMB Collaborations Awarded MPower BHHP Grants

The bi-campus projects will address the brain in health and disease, nervous system injury.

UMD Biologist Awarded $1.5M to Develop Brain Mapping Techniques

NIH’s High-Risk, High-Reward Program will fund a project that could transform efforts to understand how neurons are wired.

BBI Awards Seed Grants to Six Interdisciplinary Projects

Funded teams feature UMD faculty from 15 academic departments and six centers and institutes

Brain and Behavior Initiative Hosts 3rd Annual Seed Grant Symposium

Researchers from across UMD convene to discuss the latest projects funded by BBI

BBI Announces FY19 Seed Grant Awards

Awarded proposals feature researchers from seven colleges and schools as well as three centers and institutes