Research
Emphasis Areas

Research Affiliates

Core Services
Behavioral Science Core

Brain Imaging Core

Cellular Morphology Core

Genetics Core

Infant Primate Research Laboratory Core

Instrument Development Laboratory Core

Robert Hevner, M.D., Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Pathology
Research Affiliate, Center on Human Development and Disability
rhevner@u.washington.edu
206-884-8160
University of Washington, Box 359791
Seattle, WA 98104-9791

Dr. Hevner studies the embryonic and postnatal development of the cerebral cortex, hipppocampus, and cerebellum in several strains of transgenic mice, seeking to elucidate the neurogenesis, migration, differentiation, axon guidance, and molecular properties of neurons. Studies are aimed at shedding light on normal development as well as on human neurodevelopmental disorders such as lissencephaly, in which the cortical layers do not form normally and neurological development is severely impaired.

Hevner’s studies involve three major themes: how the layer-specific properties of cortical projection neurons develop, how the cerebral cortex establishes connections with other brain regions, and how adult neurogenesis utilizes the same molecular programs as normal development. Disorders of cortical development may involve errors tied to the formation of specific layers of neurons in the cortex; learning to control such laminar fate specification might provide the possibility of regeneration of the nervous system, perhaps using engineered stem cells.

University of Washington • Center on Human Development and Disability Box 357920 • Seattle WA 98195-7920 USA • 206-543-7701 •chdd@u.washington.edu