Northwestern University · BiologyPhotosensitive Cell Diversity Lab
Tiffany M. Schmidt · Evanston, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Tiffany M. Schmidt's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the genetic factors that influence the diversity of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in the retina. These specialized cells are crucial for various physiological responses to light. By studying these cells, the lab aims to uncover how different subtypes of ipRGCs are formed and how they function, which could enhance our understanding of the retina and the nervous system as a whole.
retinal ganglion cellsipRGCBrn3btranscription factorscellular diversity
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the molecular mechanisms that establish diversity among ipRGC subtypes.
AIM 02Manipulate Brn3b expression levels to observe changes in ipRGC features.
AIM 03Profile gene expression patterns to understand subtype identity in developing retina.
AIM 04Use genetic models to assess the role of Brn3b in ipRGC development.
AIM 05Explore the functional implications of ipRGC diversity for retinal and behavioral responses to light.
Skills the Lab Values
gene expression profilingsingle-cell RNA sequencingmouse modelspatch clamp electrophysiologyimmunohistochemistry
Output against the department
Publications82bottom 25% of dept.777th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.6kbottom 28% of dept.748th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.