Nadira Yusif Rodriguez, PhD

About Me

How do we make seemingly random information meaningful?
How do our brains abstract structure from a stream of stimuli?
How do we utilize and generalize these higher order structures?

As a graduate student in Brown University’s Neuroscience Graduate Program I have worked on answering these types of questions by studying how the brain processes abstract sequences. These types of sequences are not specific to any sensory stimuli and are not dependent on stimuli identity. Instead, we can summarize these sequences based on their higher order structure (AAAB, $$$# or three of the same and one different). I am interested in identifying how and which brain areas support abstract sequence processing, focusing mainly on the role of the PFC during these sequential processes. Through the use of fMRI and no-response abstract sequence tasks I have worked towards determining the neural dynamics of abstract sequential processing.
If you're interested in learning more about my work check out my research.

As both a neuroscientist and minority in STEM, I strongly believe in increasing the accessibility of science for all individuals. One way I have worked towards this goal is through scientific communication. I am currently building a website with another colleague for communicating science via fun essays and drawings. Additionally, I host a weekly live stream covering various scientific topics alongside other colleagues. Check out these projects and some of my other work!

Research

Current Work

Neural representation of abstract sequences in primates

My PhD thesis has focused on developing fMRI methods to study awake behaving primates while they complete abstract sequential tasks. Previous work in humans had shown that ramping dynamics in a specific brain area known as the RLPFC was necessary for the monitoring and completion of sequential tasks (Desrochers, et al., 2015; 2019). To follow up on this work, I have used a set of no-response abstract sequence task to determine whether similar neural dynamics exist in the non-human primate brain. Additionally, I aim to determine the specific characteristics of abstract sequences that can modulate these responses including sequential rule, timing, and anticipation.

Previous Work

Here are some of the projects I worked on during my undergraduate studies!

Blockade of FAAH/TRPV1 and Indirect Activation of CB1 Receptors in the NAcc Shell

During my undergraduate work, I studied the role of TRPV1 receptors and endocannabinoid system interactions within the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell and their role in anxiety-like behaviors. Findings from these experiments indicated that the dual blockade of TRPV1 receptors and the FAAH enzyme results in down-regulation of CB1 receptors within the NAcc shell and modulates anxiety-like behaviors.

Interference Effect on Visuomotor Rotational Adaptation and Recall

As part of a summer research experience through The Leadership Alliance, I worked on sensorimotor adaptation to understand interference in visuomotor learning.

Meta-analysis of Therapeutic Effectiveness in Hispanic/Latinos

Historically, clinical psychological interventions were not usually developed taking into consideration the individuals cultural background, and the impact this can have on their treatment. As such during this work, we sought to identify clinical studies that had included hispanic and latino populations and what efforts had been done to culturally adapt the therapeutic interventions.

Other Work

Philososcienceing emerged from a desire to communicate science to the broader community. Here, we get together every week to discuss a variety of topics ranging from global warming to parasites. You can check out our most recent streams on Twitch, or listen to some of our older episodes on Spotify.

Revise and submit (currently under construction) is a science blog where we use both essays and comics to convey our thoughts to the community on different scientific topics! If you are interested in learning more, check our our work here.

Contact

• Twitter
• GitHub

Elements

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