Zachary Pennington, PhD
About Me
My research is focused on uncovering how traumatic psychological experiences leave a lasting imprint on the brain. The central aim of this work is to understand how trauma leads to devastating afflictions like PTSD and addiction, and how we can harness these insights to advance new treatments.
I also devote a large amount of my time to creating convenient open-source tools that allow the neuroscience community to more readily adopt modern technologies. I am lead developer of the behavior tracking software ezTrack, contributor to the calcium imaging analysis software Minian, have built open-source tools for counting cells in microscopy images, and share protocols for these and other neuroscience techniques here: zachpenn.github.io
My research employs a multi-level approach to understanding trauma. Techniques involved include in vivo calcium imaging of neural activity, whole-brain analysis of stress responses in cleared tissue, persistent labeling of stress-reactive cells in the service of molecular profiling and manipulation, chemogenetic/optogenetic circuit mapping, and behavioral models of neuropsychiatric dysfunction.
When I’m not in the lab, I love going on food adventures with my fiancee, riding my bike and skateboard, going to punk rock shows, and baking bread.
Language
English
Research Topics
Memory, Neuroscience, Stress, Systems Neuroscience, Technology & Innovation
Industry Relationships
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.
Dr. Pennington has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.
Mount Sinai’s faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.