Dion Dickman

Are you planning a PhD in neuroscience? The Department of Neurobiology at USC has launched a new PhD program, and we’re recruiting our first cohort. Our labs seek answers to: How animals learn, remember, and choose what to do. How synapses transmit signals and stay stable over a lifetime. How neural circuits are built, how they fail in disease, and can they be repaired? How the brain turns sensation into action. We investigate these questions at scales from single synapses to whole-brain networks, using molecular, genetic, physiological, imaging, computational, and behavioral approaches across model systems. Explore our labs: dornsife.usc.edu/neurobiolog… What you’ll get: Full funding: tuition plus a $43,000 annual stipend and health insurance A small cohort with direct faculty mentorship, where you’ll help shape a program as it grows Lab rotations across three faculty labs before you choose your thesis lab Los Angeles: a major research hub with S-tier climate, cultural vibrancy and global influence Applications due December 1, 2026. GRE optional. Application fee waivers available based on demonstrated need. Apply here: dornsife.usc.edu/neurobiolog… Any questions? Reply or DM and I’m happy to answer.

Synapses are more resilient than you might think! 💪When GluRs are weakened, the presynaptic neuron can compensate by releasing more neurotransmitters, keeping synaptic strength in a stable range. This retrograde process is called presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP). 1/

Thank you for an incredible talk and engaging all-day interactions with trainees at the Vollum Postdoc-Invited Seminar! It was a blast discussing science, life, and AI:) @VollumInstitute @dion_synapse

The Vollum Seminar Series continues Thursday (10/17) with Dr. Dion Dickman presenting “Input-specific mechanisms distinguishing synaptic strength and homeostatic plasticity” at noon in M1441 of the Vollum. Hosted by Dr. Jiaxing Li. #OHSUResearch can stream from the intranet.