Morgan Newhoff Collins

Ph.D. 2020

PhD Thesis:

An investigation of the cellular mechanisms underlying ultrasound neuromodulation.

Undergraduate Institution and Major:

New York University, BA, Anthropology, 2010

Current Position:

Senior Research Scientist, Sensory Optimization and Neural Implant Coding Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Graduate Advisor:

Karen Mesce, Ph.D, Department of Entomology

Graduate Peer-Reviewed Publications:

  • Collins MN, Mesce KA. A review of the bioeffects of low-intensity focused ultrasound and the benefits of a cellular approach. Front Physiol. 2022 Nov 10;13:1047324.
  • Collins MN, Legon W, Mesce KA. The inhibitory thermal effects of focused ultrasound on an identified, single motoneuron. eNeuro. 2021 Apr 13:ENEURO.0514-20.2021.
  • Collins MN, Mesce KA. Focused ultrasound neuromodulation and the confounds of intracellular electrophysiological investigation. eNeuro. 2020 Aug 24;7(4):ENEURO.0213-20.2020.

Graduate Chapters:

  • Mesce KA, Newhoff M. Small Steps and larger strides in understanding the neural bases of crawling in the medicinal leech. In: The Neural Control of Movement. eds. Whelan PJ, Sharples SA); Academic https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816477-8.00002-8. Copyright © 2021.

Description of Graduate Research:

I study the cellular mechanisms underlying ultrasound neuromodulation in a tractable invertebrate model, the medicinal leech.

    Graduate Awards and Honors:

    • Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota Annual Conference and Retreat Best Poster Award Winner, Medical Devices – Second Place, 2018
    • International Society for Neuroethology, Heiligenberg Student Travel Award, 2018
    • Stark Award, Graduate Program in Neuroscience,  2018
    • MnDRIVE Neuromodulation Fellowship 2017-2018
    • Institute of Engineering in Medicine Retreat Poster Contest, 1rst Place (Neuromodulation), 2017
    • Minnesota Neuromodulation Symposium Poster Contest, 3rd Place, 2017

    Graduate Abstracts:

    • Newhoff M, Mueller J, Legon W, Mesce KA. An investigation into the cellular cechanisms underlying ultrasonic neuromodulation. Minnesota Neuromodulation Symposium, Minneapolis, MN, April 2017
    • Newhoff M, Mueller J, Legon W, Mesce KA. Ultrasonic modulation of a single identified neuron in an intact invertebrate system. .Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting , San Diego, CA, November  2016
    • Newhoff M, Mueller J, Legon W, Mesce KA. Ultrasonic modulation of a single identified neuron in an intact invertebrate system. IEM 2016 Annual Conference and Retreat, Minneapolis, MN, September 2016

    Professional Presentations:

    • An investigation into the cellular mechanisms underlying ultrasonic neuromodulation. University of Minnesota Graduate Program in Neuroscience colloquium series, Minneapolis, MN, 2017, 2018, 2019.

    Professional Memberships:

    • Society for Neuroscience, 2013 – present
    • International Society for Neuroethology, 2015 – present.

    Thesis Committee Members:

    • Tay Netoff, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering (Chair)
    • Karen Mesce, Ph.D., Department of Entomology
    • Hubert Lim, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering
    • Emad Ebbini, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

    Prior Publications:

    • Newhoff M, Treiman DM, Smith KA, Steinmetz PN. Gender differences in human single neuron responses to male emotional fears. Front Hum Neurosci. 2015;Sept 14;9:499.

    Research Categories:

    • Neuromodulation
    • Neuroengineering
    • Invertebrate Neurobiology

    Rotations:

    GPN Committees:

    • GPN Outreach Committee (2016 – 2018)
    • GPN Student Board (2017-2018)

    Professional Outreach:

    • MnDRIVE at State Fair, 2017
    • Brain Awareness Week Classroom Visit, 2017
    • Adults’ Night Out, Science Museum of Minnesota, 2016
    • Brain Bee, 2015
    • Classroom Visit, 2014
    • Brain Awareness Week Classroom Visit, 2014
    • Adults’ Night Out, Science Museum of Minnesota, 2014

    Why Did You Choose MN?

    I chose Minnesota because it has the equipment and resources of a large school combined with the collaborative culture of a small school.

    What Advice Would You Give To A First Year Graduate Student?

    Do at least one rotation outside of your comfort zone.

    Morgan Newhoff