Jariel Ramírez Virella, PhD

• Steece-Collier Lab
• Department of Translational Neuroscience
• Michigan State University

Biography

Jariel Ramírez Virella, Ph.D., earned his dual-major degree in Neuroscience and Pharmacology & Toxicology from Michigan State University. His long-term goal is to advance understanding of the neurobiology of chronic neurological diseases and disorders to improve the quality of life of patients worldwide. He obtained a competitive position under the Integrative Pharmacological Sciences Training Program (T32) and was awarded an individual Ruth L. Kirschtein F31 predoctoral fellowship that supported his training in Neuroscience and Pharm-Tox. Through the F31 mechanism Jariel developed optogentic protocols that allowed him to define the role of endogenously and pharmacologically stimulating neurotensin receptor-1 in the ventral tegmental area in body weight maintenance, resulting in several publications. Presently, he is bringing his expertise in optogenetics and neurobiology to explore mechanisms underlying disease-modifying gene therapy in rodent and non-human primate models with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life for individuals afflicted with Parkinson’s disease. In his off hours, he likes to play board and video games and hang out with friends and loved ones.