Dr. Jonas has made significant contributions to our understanding of the mechanisms of mitochondrial physiology and pathophysiology, including making the first recordings of mitochondrial ion channel activity in intact neurons and synapses. Her latest research focuses on the role of neuronal metabolism and mitochondrial ion channels in cell death and synaptic plasticity in acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Jonas studies ion channels located inside cells on the membranes of mitochondria, intracellular components important for cell survival, death, and energy metabolism. She is currently investigating a novel hypothesis for how changes in mitochondrial ion channels occur during stroke and how these changes contribute to neuronal death. These studies may inform the development of new therapies to protect neurons after stroke.