Joan S. Baizer Ph.D.

Joan Baizer

Joan S. Baizer
Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Contact Information
123 Sherman Hall
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York 14214-1932
Phone: 7168293096
baizer@buffalo.edu
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Overview Research Publications Activities Latest News

Professional Summary:

I am interested in how brain structure and function vary among species to mediate different cognitive and motor skills.
One focus of my research is on understanding the comparative neurochemical organization of brainstem and cerebellar structures that mediate balance, posture and movement and analyzing how this organization may vary with development, learning, aging, gender or neurological disease. I am also interested in how these systems have changed over evolution, and am comparing brainstem and cerebellar organization in humans and apes.
A second research interest is comparative neuroanatomy of the claustrum, a subcortical structure that works closely with the cerebral cortex.

Education and Training:
  • Other, Sabbatical, University College, London (1995)
  • Other, Sabbatical, NIH (1988)
  • Fellowship, Postdoctoral Training, Neurophysiology, NIH (1976)
  • PhD, Psychology, Brown University (1973)
  • MS, Psychology, Brown University (1970)
  • BA, Psychology, Bryn Mawr College (1968)

Employment:
  • Professor, University At Buffalo - Main Street Campus (2014-present)
  • Associate Professor, Physiology and Biophysics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1984-present)
  • Assistant Professor, Physiology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1976-present)
  • Guest Researcher (Sabbatical), University College, London (1995)
  • Guest Worker (Sabbatical), NIH (1988)

Awards and Honors:
  • Invitation to join multi-institution BICAN grant (2021)
  • Invitation to submit ms. for a special issue of Frontiers (2021)
  • Invitation to join group of researchers applying for a grant to study the brain in ASD (2021)

Research Expertise:
  • Comparative Neuroanatomy
  • Immunohistochemistry, Histology

Grants and Sponsored Research:
  • January 2008–December 2011
    “Probing a Monogenic Form of Autism from Molecules to Behavior”
    Simons Foundation
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2008–December 2009
    “Aging and plasticity in the vestibular system.”
    Canadian Health Institutes for Research
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • 1982-1985 NEI, NIH, RO1, “Organization of visual function in prestriate cortex”,
    NEI
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • Effects of methylphenidate on gene expression in the rat brain
    NIDA
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $100,000
  • Mechanisms of recovery after striate cortex lesions
    American Association of Dental Schools
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $2,200
  • Organization of visual function in prestriate cortex
    American Association of Dental Schools
    Role: Principal Investigator

Journal Articles:

See all (76 more)

Professional Memberships:
  • Society for Neural Control of Movement
  • Association for Women in Science
  • Society for Neuroscience
  • WIN; Women in Neuroscience

Presentations:
  • "Unique Features of the Human Brainstem" Department Seminar Series (2021)
  • "The claustrum in the squirrel monkey" The society for claustrum research (2019)
  • "What the electrode does not see (...or neuroanatomy is women's work)." Progress in Sensorimotor Research; Symposium in Honor of NIH Laboratory of Dr. Robert H. Wurtz (2003)

Service Activities:
  • Evaluate syllabi from other schools to see if courses articulate with UB:submit findings to Taurus; Director of Undergraduate Education (2021–present)
  • The committee will invite and screen applications for new faculty positions in the Department.; Member ofr hiring committee. (2021–present)
  • AD HOC commmittee on promotions, JSMBS.; Review promotion dossiers. (2021–present)
  • Committee of the Erice County Department of Mental Hygiene; Member, Erie County Community Services Board (2021–present)
  • ID/DD subcommittee of Erie County Community Services Board; Member (2020–present)
  • Family and caregiver support group meeting via Zoom once a month during the pandemic.; Member (2020–present)
  • Carefully read and commented on Ph.D. thesis of Samson Chengetanai, University of Witwatersand, South Africa. "Anatomy of the brain of the African Wild Dog, Lycaon Pictus".; Outside reviewer for Ph.D. student, Samson Chengetanai, from South Africa, laboaratory of Dr. Paul Manger. (2020)
  • This group emphasizes advocacy for people with developmental/intellectual disablites. A goal is outreach to legislators, the Commissioner of OPWDD and the governor.; Member, DDAWNY Family Committee (2020–present)
  • We reviewed applications for the ATC position after Pam Davison retired.; Search committee for new ATC. (2019)
  • Advocacy group for women and URM at UB; Executive committee of the Institute for Research in Gender (IRWEG) (2018–present)
  • FSAC- Family Support and Advisory Committee of People Inc. This committee meets monthly (pre-Covid). The purpose is to receive feedback from and provide information to stakeholders, families of people with developmental disablities receiving services from People Inc.; Facilitator (2018–present)
  • Special Education Advocate, BPS co-Chair of SEPAC; Volunteer (2001–present)
  • Faculty Council; Alternate Member (1999–present)
  • Review manuscripts for JCN, JNP, Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Frontiers; Reviewer of manuscripts (1980–present)
  • Disability Advocate, Jewish Community Center

School News:

In the Media:

Clinical Specialties:

Clinical Offices:

Insurance Accepted:

Contact Information

123 Sherman Hall
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York 14214-1932
Phone: 7168293096
baizer@buffalo.edu
View map

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