Adam Lee Weaver's Vitae

Curriculum Vitae

Adam Lee Weaver

Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Saint Michael's College
One Winooski Park, Box 283
Colchester, VT 05439

voice: (802) 654-2624
fax: (802) 654-2236
email: aweaver2 (at)

smcvt.edu
website: http://academics.smcvt.edu/aweaver2/

PDF copy of CV

LONG-TERM RESEARCH PLANS

Comparative study of the heartbeat system of North American leeches.

Characterize blood flow using video analysis under varying levels of physical activity.
Map the active and passive components of the heartbeat system using MicroCT imaging.
Characterize the central pattern generator neurons and their synaptic connections.
Measure the relative phasing of heartbeat neuron activity in each species.

Biophysical model of the leech heartbeat system from neurons through blood flow.

Record motor neuron outputs, resulting muscle contractile forces, and measure blood flow.
Fit the data with mathematical equations and build a model that provides testable predictions.
Investigate the role of sensory feedback in modulating blood flow in the heartbeat system model.

EDUCATION

1997	Simulations in Computational Neuroscience Workshop, Pittsburgh Supercomputer Center
1995-2002	Ph.D., Neuroscience Program, Ohio University, Advisor: Dr. Scott Hooper
1994-1995	Ph.D. Student, Integrative Biology Program, UCLA, Advisor: Dr. Charles Taylor
1990-1994	B.A., Biology and Psych. Majors, University of Delaware, Advisor: Dr. Robert Simons

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2010-Present	Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Saint Michael's College
2008-2009	Assistant Professor, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana
2007-2008	Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Xavier University of Louisiana
2005-2007	Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Washington, Otolaryngology Department
Spring 2004	Instructor, Spelman College, Biology Department (Syllabus)
2002-2004	Postdoctoral Fellow, Emory University, Biology Department
1998-2002	Research Assistant, Ohio University, Department of Biological Sciences
1995-1998	Teaching Assistant, Ohio University, Department of Biological Sciences
1994-1995	Teaching Assistant, UCLA, Department of Integrative Biology
1993-1994	Teaching Assistant, University of Delaware, Department of Biological Sciences

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

2010-Present	Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
2010-Present	Society for Neuroscience (Vermont Chapter)
2009-Present	Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience
2007-Present	Tri Beta National Biological Honor Society
1996-Present	Society for Neuroscience

UNIVERSITY AND ACADEMIC SERVICE

2010-Present	Multicultural Programming Committee, Saint Michael’s College
2010	Judge for Student Presentations, Society for Neuroscience (Vermont Chapter)
2010-Present	Tri Beta National Biological Honor Society (Advisor), Saint Michael’s College
2010	Tri Beta Chapter Presentation on Finding a Career Path and Pursuing Research, Saint Michael’s College
2009	Center for the Advancement of Teaching Workshop Presentation: "Blackboard: Unleashing Its Power in the ClassroomAssessments (Tests & Surveys)," Xavier University
2008-2009	Facilities and Resources Subcommittee, Xavier University of LA, College of Pharmacy
2008-2009	Self-Study Committee, Xavier University of LA, College of Pharmacy
2008-2009	East Coast Student Club (Advisor), Xavier University of LA
2007-2009	Center for the Advancement of Teaching Advisory Committee, Xavier University of LA
2005-2007	Minority Student Bioscience Experience, University Washington
2005-2007	Brain Awareness Week, University Washington
2005-2007	Postdoctoral Association, University Washington
2002-2004	Exec. Committee (Appointed), Atlanta Chapter of the Soc. for Neuroscience
1999-2000	Graduate Council (Appointed), Ohio University
1998-2001	Neuroscience Program Graduate Student Representative (Appointed), Ohio University
1997	Stomatogastric Satellite Meeting, Joint Organizer, New Orleans
1996-1998	Biological Sciences Grad. Admissions Committee (Appointed), Ohio University
1996-1997	Graduate Council (Appointed), Ohio University

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

2011-2012	Project Grant Award, Vermont Genetics Network, $65,030 and two student grants ($4,500 each; Awardees: Kristen Cowens & Danielle Shepard)
2010	VPAA Summer Research Grants, Saint Michael’s College, $1,978 for supplies and two student grants ($3,700 each; Awardees: Amanda Willette & Kristen Cowens)
2008-2009	Teaching Lab Equipment & Materials Grant, Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy, $43,100
2007-2008	Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium Grant, Xavier University of Louisiana, $25,000 (declined)
2007-2008	MIE-STEM Faculty Mini-Grants, Xavier University of Louisiana Ctr. For Undergraduate Research, $10,000 & student stipend
2005-2006	NRSA Training Grant, University Washington School of Medicine
2002-2004	Fellowship in Research and Science Teaching, Emory University School of Medicine
1996-1999	Ohio University Doctoral Teaching and Research Fellowship
1993-1994	Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society
1992-1994	University of Delaware Research Fellowship
1990-1994	National Merit Scholarship

REFEREED PUBLICATIONS (*: Authors contributed equally)

IR Davenport, AL Weaver, JP Wourms (2011) A Novel Set of Structures Within the Elasmobranch, Ovarian Follicle. J Morphol. May 2011; 272(5):557–565. (PDF) (Link)

AL Weaver, RC Roffman, BJ Norris, RL Calabrese (2010) A Role for Compromise: Synaptic Inhibition and Electrical Coupling Interact to Control Phasing in the Leech Heartbeat CPG. Front Behav Neurosci. July 2010; 4(38):1-17. (PDF) (Link)

J Meitzen, AL Weaver, EA Brenowitz, DJ Perkel (2009) Plastic and stable electrophysiological properties of adult avian forebrain song-control neurons across changing breeding conditions. J Neurosci, May 2009; 29(20):6558-67. (PDF) (Link)

SL Hooper, E Buchman, AL Weaver, JB Thuma, KH Hobbs (2009) Slow conductances could underlie intrinsic phase-maintaining properties of isolated lobster (Panulirus interruptus) pyloric neurons. J Neurosci, Feb 2009; 29(6):1834-1845. (PDF) (Link)

BJ Norris*, AL Weaver*, A Wenning, PA Garcia, RL Calabrese (2007) A central pattern generator producing alternative outputs: Pattern, strength and dynamics of premotor synaptic input to leech heart motor neurons. J Neurophysiol, Nov 2007; 98:2992-3005. (PDF) (Link)

BJ Norris*, AL Weaver*, A Wenning, PA Garcia, RL Calabrese (2007) A central pattern generator producing alternative outputs: Phase relations of leech heart motor neurons with respect to premotor synaptic input. J Neurophysiol, Nov 2007; 98:2983-2991. (PDF) (Link)

BJ Norris*, AL Weaver*, LG Morris, A Wenning, PA Garcia, RL Calabrese (2006) A central pattern generator producing alternative outputs: temporal pattern of premotor activity. J Neurophys. 96(1):309-26. (PDF) (Link)

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2003) Relating network synaptic connectivity and network activity in the lobster (Panulirus interruptus) pyloric network. J Neurophys. 90(4):2378-2386. (PDF) (Link)

JB Thuma, LG Morris, AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2003) Lobster (Panulirus interruptus) pyloric muscles express the motor patterns of three neural networks, only one of which innervates the muscles. J. Neurosci. 23(26):8911-8920. (PDF) (Link)

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2003) Follower Neurons in Lobster (Panulirus interruptus) Pyloric Network Regulate Pacemaker Period in Complementary Ways. J Neurophys. 89(3):1327-1338. (PDF) (Link)

NJ Hoover, AL Weaver, PI Harness, SL Hooper (2002) Combinatorial and cross-fiber averaging transform muscle electrical responses with a large random component into deterministic contractions. J. Neurosci. 22(5):1895-1904. (PDF) (Link)

NON-REFEREED FULL LENGTH PUBLICATION (REVIEW ARTICLE)

SL Hooper, AL Weaver (2000) Motor neuron activity is often insufficient to predict motor response. Curr. Opinion in Neurobiol. 10(6):676-682. (PDF) (Link)

PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS (*: Authors contributed equally)

RC Seaman, AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2009) Finding the right balance: Synaptic strength in the leech heartbeat CPG. Soc Neurosci Abstr 35: Online (269.2).

AL Weaver, J Meitzen, EA Brenowitz, DJ Perkel (2007) Breeding conditions alter intrinsic electrophysiological properties of song control neurons in Gambel’s white crowned sparrows. Soc Neurosci Abstr 33: Online (751.5).

BJ Norris, AL Weaver, A Wenning, PA Garcia, RL Calabrese (2006) Control of motor neuron activity by a CPG: a case for unpacking. Soc Neurosci Abstr 32: Online (350.5).

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2005) A role for compromise: Inhibitory and electrical synapse effects on phasing in the leech heartbeat CPG. Computational Neuroscience Meeting Abstr 14:45.

D Perkins-Balding*, AL Weaver* (2004) Approach, design, and evaluation of an introductory biology course taught by FIRST fellows at Spelman College. IRACDA Meeting Abstr.

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2003) Effects of chemical and electrical synapses on phase relationships in a complete model of the heartbeat CPG in the medicinal leech. Soc Neurosci Abstr 29: Online (605.10).

AL Weaver, KH Hobbs, SL Hooper (2001) Synaptic coupling greatly increases the range of "non-integer" (n:m) entrainment. International Congress of Neuroethology Meeting. 6:250.

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2000) Within the normal pyloric frequency range, removal of LP and VD neuron input has very little effect on pyloric activity. Soc Neurosci Abstr 26:454.

E Buchman, JB Thuma, AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2000) Model conductances that reproduce the PY neuron delay shifts observed in response to changes in stimulus paradigm. Soc Neurosci Abstr 26:2000.

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (1999) Integer (1:1, 2:1) and non-integer (2:3, 3:4) entrainment of the pyloric pacemaker by rhythmic current injection into the follower LP and VD neurons. Soc Neurosci Abstr 25:1642.

N Hoover, N Weathington, AL Weaver, SL Hooper (1999) EJP amplitude shows large random variation in several intrinsic pyloric muscle in Panulirus. Soc Neurosci Abstr 25:1642.

AL Weaver, JB Thuma, SL Hooper (1998) What role do the LP and VD neurons play in pyloric network phase maintenance? Soc Neurosci Abstr 24:1891.

AL Weaver, RA DiCaprio, SL Hooper (1996) Existing stomatogastric neuron models predict some, but not all, responses to rhythmic input. Soc Neurosci Abstr 22:131.

MENTORED UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
2011-Present	Danielle Shepard (St. Michael's College)	Quantitatively measured the outputs of homologous leech neurons in several leech species to carry out specific aim one from the 2011-12 VGN grant.
2010-Present	Kristen Cowens (St. Michael's College)	Primary: Tested the effects of different physiological parameters on the activity patterns and phasing of a computer model of the nervous system to carry out specific aim two from the 2011-12 VGN grant. This project will form the basis for her senior honors project in Biology. Secondary: Measured the heartbeat system circulatory anatomy in several leech species using MicroCT imaging. Tertiary: Measured the outputs of homologous leech neurons and muscles. Performed video analysis of blood flow in juvenile leeches.
2010-2011	Amanda Willette (St. Michael's College)	Primary: Measured the outputs of homologous leech neurons and muscles. Performed video analysis of blood flow in juvenile leeches. Secondary: Measured the heartbeat system circulatory anatomy in several leech species using MicroCT imaging.
2007-2009	Bria Miller (Xavier University)	Investigated the role of synaptic coupling on phase relationships in a complete model of the heartbeat CPG in the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis.
1999-2002	Kevin Hobbs (Ohio University)	Identified the muscles innervated by the PY neurons of the pyloric network. Investigated pyloric pacemaker entrainment using two dimensional neuron models. Research support: Program to Aid Career Exploration award Presentations: 2001 International Congress of Neuroethology (poster)
1998-2000	Neil Hoover (Ohio University)	Compared different types of pyloric muscles' excitatory junctional potentials and contractile properties. Research results were published in J. Neurosci., 2002, and his undergraduate honors thesis. Research support: Program to Aid Career Exploration Award Received Ohio University Student Enhancement award and Outstanding Undergraduate Research Presentation award (both university-wide competitions). Presentations: 1999 Society for Neuroscience (poster), 1999 East Coast Nerve Net (talk)
1998	Nate Weathington (University of South Alabama)	Investigated and recorded pyloric muscle excitatory junctional potentials. Research support: NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Presentations: 1999 East Coast Nerve Net (talk), 1998 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (talk)
1996	Julie Rappaport (Bowdoin College)	Compared passive electrotonic models of different pyloric neuron types. Measured pyloric neuron electrotonic properties to study the efficacy of synapses. Research support: NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Presentations: 1996 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (talk)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Saint Michael's College	Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Advanced Topics: Neurobiology Introductory Cell Biology and Genetics Biological Reading & Writing
Xavier University	Human Anatomy & Physiology (College of Pharmacy, College of Arts & Sciences) Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab (College of Pharmacy) Redesigned course to incorporate both hands-on and computerized labs. General Biology (College of Arts & Sciences) General Biology Lab (College of Arts & Sciences)
Spelman College	General Biology II (co-instructor: Spring 2004; Syllabus) Redesigned course to incorporate group discussion and research papers. General Biology II (guest lectures) Neurobiology (guest lectures) Advisor: Dr. Michael (Gene) McGinnis
Emory University	Postdoctoral Teaching Practicum (training as a student in best teaching practices) Advisor: Dr. Arri Eisen
Ohio University	Human Neuroscience (Human Neuroanatomy Lab) Introduction to Zoology (Survey of the Animal Kingdom) Neuroscience Methods (Neurophysiology Experimental Lab) Population and Community Ecology Principles of Physiology I Principles of Physiology II Statistics Time, Change, and Dynamic Systems (guest lectures)
UCLA	Cells, Tissues, and Organs Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity Genetics Teaching Apprentice Practicum (training as a student)
University of Delaware	Genetics and Evolutionary Biology Lab Undergraduate Tutor in Biology and Psychology

INVITED TALKS

"Loveable Local Leeches!!" – Amanda Willette, Kristen Cowens, & Adam Weaver

The Schoolhouse, South Burlington, VT, 2010.

Workshop Presentation: "My Career Path and Research"

Tri Beta National Biological Honor Society, Dept. of Biology, Saint Michaels College, 2010.

Workshop Presentation: "Blackboard: Unleashing Its Power in the Classroom–Assessments (Tests and Surveys),"

Center for the Advancement of Teaching, Xavier University

"Life-Sustaining Rhythm: Ebb and Flow in the Leech Heartbeat System"

Dept. of Biology, Longwood University, 2009.	Dept. of Biological Sciences, Bridgewater State College, 2007.
Dept. of Biology, Saint Michael's College, 2009.	Dept. of Biological Sciences, California State University - East Bay, 2007.
Dept. of Biology, Augustana College, 2008.	Dept. of Biology, Xavier University of Louisiana, 2007.
School of Mathematics and Science, Reinhardt College, 2008.	Dept. of Biological Sciences, Benedictine University, 2007.

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH SUMMARY

University of Washington in the lab of Dr. David Perkel (experimental research)

Explored activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in a forebrain circuit involved in acquisition of learned vocal motor patterns in the songbird zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata).
Characterized the physiological properties and intrinsic conductances in a premotor nucleus involved in song production.

Emory University in the lab of Dr. Ronald Calabrese (computer modeling research)

Created a full network model of the central pattern generator underlying contractions in the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) heart.
Produced a database exploring the activity patterns of a medicinal leech elemental oscillator network model across ionic conductance parameter space.

GRADUATE RESEARCH SUMMARY

Ohio University in the lab of Dr. Scott Hooper (experimental and computer modeling research)

Characterized the synaptic mechanisms of pyloric network phase maintenance and cycle frequency control in the spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus).
Investigated requirements for network entrainment in pyloric network and model pyloric neurons.

Dissertation: "The functional roles of the Lateral Pyloric and Ventricular Dilator neurons in the pyloric network of the lobster, Panulirus interruptus." (PDF)

RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS (*: Authors contributed equally)

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2005) A role for compromise: synaptic inhibition and electrical coupling on phase relationships in a complete model of the heartbeat CPG in the medicinal leech. Computational Neuroscience Meeting.

D Perkins-Balding*, AL Weaver* (2004) Approach, design, and evaluation of an introductory biology course taught by FIRST fellows at Spelman College. IRACDA Meeting.

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2004) Effects of synaptic inhibition and electrical coupling on phase relationships in a complete model of the medicinal leech heartbeat CPG. South East Nerve Net Meeting.

AL Weaver, RL Calabrese (2003) Effects of chemical and electrical synapses on phasing in a complete model of the heartbeat CPG in the medicinal leech. South East Nerve Net Meeting.

LG Morris, AL Weaver, BJ Norris, RL Calabrese (2003) Phases of premotor and switch heart interneurons in the leech. South East Nerve Net Meeting.

AL Weaver, KH Hobbs, SL Hooper (2001) Synaptic coupling greatly increases the range of "non-integer" (n:m) entrainment. International Congress of Neuroethology Meeting.

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2000) Within the normal pyloric frequency range, removal of LP and VD neuron input has very little effect on pyloric activity. Stomatogastric Satellite Meeting.

AL Weaver, SL Hooper (2000) Within the normal pyloric frequency range, removal of LP and VD neuron input has very little effect on pyloric activity. East Coast Nerve Net Meeting.

N Hoover, N Weathington, A Weaver, SL Hooper (1999) EJP amplitude shows large random variation in several intrinsic pyloric muscles in Panulirus. East Coast Nerve Net Meeting.

AL Weaver (1994) Distributed problem solving. Southern California Artificial Life Meeting.

AL Weaver, RF Simons (1994) The effect of visual imagery on human startle response. University of Delaware Undergraduate Research Symposium.

ELECTED SERVICE

2000-2002	Democratic Party Central Committee (Senator), Athens County, Ohio
1998-2000	University Graduate Student Senate (Senator), Ohio University
1996-1997	University Graduate Student Senate, Ohio University

EXTERNAL REFERENCES

Research
Ronald L. Calabrese, Ph.D. Professor of Biology Emory University Department of Biology O. Wayne Rollins Research Center 1510 Clifton Road NE Atlanta , GA 30322-4218 voice: (404) 727-0319 email: ronald.calabrese emory.edu			Scott L. Hooper, Ph.D. Professor of Biology Ohio University Department of Biological Sciences 108 Irvine Hall Athens, OH, 45701 voice: (740) 593-0679 email: hooper ohio.edu			David J. Perkel, Ph.D. Professor of Biology and Otolaryngology University of Washington Box 356515 1959 NE Pacific St. HSB BB1165 Seattle, Washington 98195-6515 voice: (206) 221-2477 email: perkel u.washington.edu

*Teaching*
Robert C. Blake II, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Pharmacy Div. of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy Ste. 425 1 Drexel Drive New Orleans, LA 70125-1098 voice: (504) 520-7489 email: rblake xula.edu			Arri Eisen, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer Emory University Department of Biology O. Wayne Rollins Research Center 1510 Clifton Road NE Atlanta , GA 30322-4218 voice: (404) 727-4354 email: arri.eisen emory.edu			Michael (Gene) McGinnis, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology Spelman College 350 Spelman Ln SW Box #213 Atlanta, GA 30314-4399 voice: (404) 270-5720 email: gmcginnis spelman.edu

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