Olga Boudker, Ph.D.

Javits Award
Image
Photo of Olga Boudker, Ph.D. 2013 Javits Award recipient
Institution
Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York City, NY

Dr. Boudker studies the molecular-level structural dynamics underlying glutamate transporter function. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system – its release from neurons stimulates neuronal activity. Glutamate transporters move glutamate back into neurons and glial cells after its release, ensuring precise signaling between neurons and limiting toxic overactivation, or excitotoxicity. Understanding how glutamate transporters work will shed light on their roles in disease and may inform new avenues in drug development.