Cristabel Portillo

During undergrad, I researched how early life adversity impairs behavioral flexibility and reversal learning in a sex-dependent manner using an instrumental lever-pressing paradigm and water T-maze. I participated in The Leadership Alliance summer program at the University of Chicago where I researched how mutations of the SYNGAP1 gene affected spike firing and homeostatic plasticity using whole-cell patch clamp recordings. At Boston University, I seek to apply my experiences into researching neural mechanisms involved in chronic pain and how opioids may manipulate these pathways. My hobbies include learning about aviation, cooking, doing puzzles, and watching masterchef.