Abby got her bachelor's degree in Microbiology from Ohio Wesleyan University and her doctorate in Neurobiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her thesis research focused on cellular signaling mechanisms in animal models of mood disorders. Following graduate school, Abby completed a postdoc in Dr. Julie Kauer's lab at Brown University. Her postdoctoral research focused on long-lasting effects of acute stress on inhibitory synapses in the ventral tegmental area. In 2017, she moved to DC to open her lab focused on mechanisms of acute and chronic stress across the lifespan at George Washington University.
Research
Research in the Polter lab is focused on the neurobiological effects of stressful and adverse experiences. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms of stress-induced changes in synapses and circuits. We are particularly interested in synaptic regulation of neurons that produce monoamines-neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that are important modulators of affective and reward-related behavior. We use slice electrophysiology, coupled with retrograde tracers and viral-mediated optogenetics, and fiber photometry to identify and characterize circuit-specific alterations in synaptic plasticity and function following stress. We then use in vivo chemogenetics and pharmacology to reverse stress-induced neurobiological changes and maladaptive behavioral responses.
Grants
- NIH R01MH122712; Polter; 05/15/20-02/28/25
- VTA microcircuit dynamics during chronic stress
- NIH R01MH122712-03S1; Polter; 05/15/20-02/28/25
- Supplement to VTA microcircuit dynamics during chronic stress
Awards
- 2021: Margaret Q. Landenberger Foundation Research Award
- 2019-2021: NARSAD Young Investigator Award, Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
- 2015-2020: NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence award
- 2015: Travel Award, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology annual meeting
- 2014-2016: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Award
Teaching
- Cardiac, Pulmonary, Renal module (Medical curriculum)
- Facilitator:
- “Autonomics Workshop”
- “Drug Ads”
- Brain and Behavior module (Medical curriculum)
- Lecturer:
- “Antiepileptics”
- “Treatment for migraine”
- “Antipsychotics”
- “Inhibition in the CNS”
- “Neuromodulation”
- Molecular Pharmacology &Neurobiology of Excitable Tissues MMED 8281
- “GABAA Receptor Pharmacology”
- “Science and Society”
- Pharm/Phys/Clinical Medicine (PA curriculum)
- Foundations of Experimental Neuroscience (NRSC 8284)
- Ethics and Grant Writing BMSC 8217