Faculty Expert Profile

Richard Huganir is a professor of neuroscience, biological chemistry, pharmacology, and molecular science at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Huganir's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that modulate the communication between neurons in the brain. This modulation is critical for complex processes in the brain, including learning, memory, and development. Disruption of these processes is also involved in several neurological and psychiatric diseases.

The big questions he focuses on include: How do we perceive, understand, react and remember? How does an experience – like looking at a painting – literally sculpt your brain? How does emotional status determine whether an experience will change the connections between neurons for days, years or a lifetime?

Huganir received the Young Investigator Award from the Society for Neuroscience and the Santiago Grisolia Award, among others. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has has published over 200 papers in peer-reviewed journals.