Dr. Helen Fitzsimons
Senior Lecturer
Institute of Fundamental Sciences
Massey University
New Zealand
Biography
Dr. Helen Fitzsimons is currently working as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of  Fundamental Sciences, Massey univesity , Newzealand. Her research interests includes  investigation of the molecular mechanisms that underpin the formation and storage of memory. Memories are stored in synapses, the connections between neurons, and on storing a memory, specific combinations of neurons grow stronger connections. The molecular mechanisms that underpin the formation and maintenance of memory, sometimes over a whole life-time, are not well understood. she is serving as an editorial member and reviewer of several international reputed journals. Dr. Helen Fitzsimons is the member of many international affiliations. She has successfully completed her Administrative responsibilities. she has authored of many research articles/books related to  investigation of the molecular mechanisms that underpin the formation and storage of memory. Memories are stored in synapses, the connections between neurons, and on storing a memory, specific combinations of neurons grow stronger connections. The molecular mechanisms that underpin the formation and maintenance of memory, sometimes over a whole life-time, are not well understood..
Research Interest
Her research involves investigation of the molecular mechanisms that underpin the formation and storage of memory. Memories are stored in synapses, the connections between neurons, and on storing a memory, specific combinations of neurons grow stronger connections. The molecular mechanisms that underpin the formation and maintenance of memory, sometimes over a whole life-time, are not well understood.
Publications
-
During, MJ., Cao, L., Zuzga, DS., Francis, JS., Fitzsimons, HL., Jiao, X., . . . Haile, CN. (2003). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor is involved in learning and neuroprotection. Nature Medicine. 9(9), 1173-1179
-
Green, KA., Becker, Y., Tanaka, A., Takemoto, D., Fitzsimons, HL., Seiler, S., . . . Scott, B. (2017). SymB and SymC, two membrane associated proteins, are required for Epichloë festucae hyphal cell–cell fusion and maintenance of a mutualistic interaction with Lolium perenne. Molecular Microbiology. 103(4), 657-677
-
Freymuth, PS., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2017). The ERM protein Moesin is essential for neuronal morphogenesis and long-term memory in Drosophila. Molecular Brain. 10(1)
