Christopher N Connolly

Biography

1999-Present:    Reader in Neurobiology, Division of Neuroscience, University of Dundee 1993-1999:        Postdoctoral Research Fellow, MRC LMCB, University College London 1989-1993:        PhD student, Imperial College/ University College London  1979-1984:         Research Assistant, Wellcome Research Laboratories Qualifications:     PhD in Cell Biology (1993), MRC LMCB (Profs. DC Cutler & CR Hopkins), University College London MSc in Molecular Genetics (1989), University of Leicester (Research Project: Profs. A. Jeffries & A. Cashmore) BSc (Hons) in Genetics (1987), University of Leeds (Research Project: Prof. Cove) Awards: Winner Stephen Fry Award for Public Engagement (2014). Scottish Executive Life Sciences Award finalist (2015). University roles: Member of University of Dundee BBSRC Excellence with Impact Committee (2013-2016) Member of the University of Dundee Public Engagement Committee (2014-Present) Member of the School of Medicine Safety Committee (2010 – Present) Member of the University of Dundee Radiation Committee (2009 – Present) Mentor on the University of Dundee/St. Andrews mentoring scheme (2010- Present) External roles: Editor for Journal of Biological Chemistry (2013-2018) Expert Assessor for Carnegie Trust (2015-18)

Research Interest

This laboratory is interested in the role of ligand-gated ion channel biology and neuronal function in the control of excitation/inhibition in individual neurons, glia and whole neuronal networks. In the past, our studies concentrated on the biogenesis and chronic modulation of ligand-gated ion channel (GABAA and 5-HT3 receptors) function by intracellular trafficking. Our current focus is on excitatory receptors (glutmatergic and nicotinic) and their impact on network level dysfunction and plasticity during chronic exposure to sublethal stimuli. One major research interest is on the role of NMDA receptors in neuronal network dysfunction and resilience, to gain insight into mechanisms relevant to ischaemia, neurodegenerative diseases and epilepsy. Secondly, we are interested in pesticide toxicity to the nervous system of humans and insects. In particular, we are interested in how sublethal chronic exposure may lead to neural adaptations that alter neuronal resilience to further exposure.