Chris Vaaga

Assistant Professor Biomedical Sciences

W204A ANATOMY & ZOOLOGY (AZ)

view faculty website

About Chris

The Vaaga lab is interested in understanding the cells, synapses, and circuits underlying ethologically relevant behaviors and elucidating the neural mechanisms by which circuits generate behavioral flexibility. To approach these questions, the lab primarily studies defensive behaviors, which are evolutionarily conserved behavioral responses to predator threats in the environment. Importantly, such defensive behaviors are innate, meaning they do not require previous associative learning to be expressed, and yet are remarkably flexible to generate ethologically appropriate behavioral strategies.

To address these questions, the lab employs integrative electrophysiological approaches, combining in vitro electrophysiology, optogenetic/chemogenetic circuit manipulation, in vivo electrophysiological and optical imaging techniques, and behavioral analysis to study the neural circuits responsible for generating innate defensive behaviors. The lab is particularly interested in elucidating cellular motifs within midbrain periaqueductal gray as well as exploring the underappreciated role of the cerebellum in modulating defensive circuits, and ultimately, behavior.

Scientific Mission Statement: 

To use integrative physiological approaches to understand how neural circuit activity contributes to the generation of ethologically relevant behaviors. To understand neural circuit function from biophysics to behavior.

Training Mission Statement:

To provide impactful scientific mentorship to train the next generation of scientists to think critically about the world around them. To develop and foster scientific curiosity and innovative data-driven problem-solving approaches.

Mentorship Philosophy:

As a mentor, my philosophy is rooted in creating a supportive environment where all individuals from all backgrounds can thrive personally, professionally, and scientifically. I prioritize intentional, individualized mentorship, understanding that each trainee brings a unique set of experiences, needs, and aspirations. I prioritize creating a laboratory culture that embraces different perspectives, encourages open and honest communication, and ensures all voices are heard and respected. 

Education

Ph.D., The Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 2011B.S., University of Washington, 2006

Research Specialty

Slice electrophysiologyWe use slice electrophysiological approaches (including voltage clamp, current clamp, and dynamic clamp) to study circuit organization and function. Specifically, we are interested in understanding the intrinsic biophysics and properties of synaptic transmission within fear-related circuits of the periaqueductal gray.Fiber photometry and in vivo electrophysiologyWe use both fiber photometry and multi-electrode array recordings to assess neural activity from restricted populations of neurons during behavior to understand how each cell type contributes to behavior.Behavioral analysis and circuit manipulationWe use optogenetic and chemogenetic circuit manipulation techniques to test predictions of circuit function by manipulating specific cell populations and examining how these manipulations perturb behavioral performance.