Ivan Alcantara
About Ivan Alcantara
Ivan Alcantara is a Pre Doctoral Fellow at The National Institutes of Health, focusing on the neurobiological aspects of social behavior and energy homeostasis. He has a diverse academic background, including a PhD in Neuroscience from Brown University and experience in various research and tutoring roles.
Work at National Institutes of Health
Ivan Alcantara has been a Pre Doctoral Fellow at the National Institutes of Health since 2020. He conducts research focused on the neurobiological interplay of social behavior and energy homeostasis. His work involves dissecting the intersections of social and feeding behaviors in mice, employing molecular and genetic tools. This position allows him to utilize advanced techniques such as fiber photometry, optogenetics, and chemogenetics to further his research.
Education and Expertise
Ivan Alcantara earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Brown University, where he studied from 2012 to 2016. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience at the same institution, with an expected completion in 2024. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Science in Physical Cell Biology from Goethe University, studying from 2017 to 2019. His academic background is complemented by a range of research experiences and technical skills in neuroscience.
Research Experience
Prior to his current role, Ivan Alcantara gained extensive research experience. He worked as a Research Assistant at Brown University from 2013 to 2016, and at the University of Southern California for two months in 2013. He also served as a Researcher at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt a. Main from 2016 to 2017 and as a Masters Student at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research from 2018 to 2019. His research has focused on various aspects of neuroscience, employing techniques such as confocal microscopy and brain slicing.
Previous Work Experience
Ivan Alcantara has held various positions that contributed to his professional development. He worked as a French Tutor and Organic Chemistry Tutor at Brown University between 2013 and 2016. He also served as an Accounting Intern at Catholic Charities USA in 2011 and as an Office Clerk at the Department of Social Services in 2010. These roles provided him with diverse skills and experiences in both academic and practical settings.
Academic Interests
Outside of neuroscience, Ivan Alcantara has academic interests in music, foreign languages, linguistics, and ancient history. These interests reflect a well-rounded educational background and a commitment to lifelong learning. His diverse interests may contribute to a broader understanding of the social aspects of his research in neuroscience.