Carli Poisson

Courses: Neuroanatomy and lab (BIOL 304)

Research: Basic neural mechanisms underlying motivation and learning

BA: Wesleyan University (Neuroscience & Behavior)

PhD: (ongoing): University of Minnesota (Neuroscience)

Carli Poisson (she/they) is a doctoral student in Ben Saunders’ lab at the University of Minnesota. Her research is focused on how sensory systems convey information to dopamine systems in the brain, which are involved in learning and reward processing. Her current project, funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, focuses on a subcortical pathway between the superior colliculus and ventral tegmental area, and how this connection affects learning about environmental stimuli. She is originally from northern Maine and is excited to be a visiting instructor at Macalester.