Oakleigh Folkes, Ph.D.
About Oakleigh Folkes, Ph.D.
Oakleigh Folkes, Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University, focusing on identifying therapeutic targets for social deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders. With a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Vanderbilt University, Folkes has extensive experience in research related to autism spectrum disorder and social interaction behavior.
Work at Yale University
Oakleigh Folkes has been serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University since 2022. In this role, Folkes engages in advanced research focused on neuropsychiatric disorders, specifically targeting social deficits. The position at Yale allows for collaboration with leading experts in the field and contributes to the ongoing research initiatives at the university.
Education and Expertise
Oakleigh Folkes earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacology from Vanderbilt University, completing the program from 2014 to 2020. Prior to this, Folkes obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience and Spanish from Vanderbilt University, studying from 2009 to 2013. This educational background provides a strong foundation in both pharmacological principles and neuroscience, contributing to Folkes' research expertise.
Research Focus
Folkes' research primarily concentrates on identifying novel therapeutic targets for social deficits associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Utilizing two novel mouse models, Folkes investigates genetic risk factors for autism spectrum disorder. The aim is to deepen the understanding of the neural circuitry and cellular mechanisms that govern social interaction behavior.
Previous Experience
Before joining Yale University, Oakleigh Folkes held several positions that contributed to their expertise in neuroscience and pharmacology. Folkes worked as a Doctoral Student at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from 2014 to 2020 and as a Research Associate at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development from 2013 to 2014. Additionally, Folkes completed a summer internship at the National Institutes of Health in 2012, gaining valuable experience in research methodologies.
Training and Certifications
Oakleigh Folkes participated in the Translational Medicine Certificate Training through the Vanderbilt Program in Molecular Medicine from 2015 to 2017. This training enhanced Folkes' understanding of the translational aspects of medical research, bridging the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications.