Neuroscientist Shares Research

By Alice Roche Cody

The Nervous System Unit for Dr. Montana Vasquez-Grinnell's sixth grade science class got off to a great start with a virtual visit from her husband, a neuroscientist who conducts ground-breaking research. Dr. Steven Vasquez-Grinnell works as a bioinformatician at Bristol Myers Squibb, investigating cancer and effective cancer medications and treatments. Sixth graders from Christina Temnycky's science class also joined the discussion.

"He shared about his research on mice that centers on opiates and developing medications that relieve pain, like morphine, but without the addictive side effects," said Dr. Montana Vasquez-Grinnell. "He explained the importance of the pain and reward pathways, and how our bodies learn from both. My students made excellent connections between his research and real-world knowledge. They asked great questions about different types of substances and how they impact our brains, everything from cough drops to more serious drugs."

With a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Weill Cornell Medical School in New York City, Dr. Steven Vasquez-Grinnell completed extensive post-doctoral research in neuroscience as well.

Thank you for sharing your expertise with our middle schoolers!