Dr. Sara Fenstermacher is a postdoctoral researcher at New York University. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jeremy Dasen, her work will elucidate the role of serotonergic modulation in the control of motor output within a behavioral context. Specifically, she will investigate the function of genetically defined serotonergic circuits in motor control. She will first examine the function of serotonergic inputs to spinal motor neurons during locomotor behavior. To do this, she will utilize anterograde and retrograde tracing strategies, in vivo electrophysiology, and electromyography. She will then define the cellular mechanisms by which neuromodulators act upon target neurons to mediate behavioral effects. These studies will provide novel insights into the function of serotonin motor control and will aim to inspire new clinical approaches for disorders or injuries of the spinal cord. Dr. Fenstermacher received her BA from Bucknell University and her PhD from Harvard Medical School.