About Us

The West Virginia University Center for Foundational Neuroscience Research and Education (CFNRE) functions under the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) to organize and align foundational neuroscience research and education across WVU. Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, especially the brain, and behavior, and WVU is rich in neuroscience researchers. The purpose of the CFNRE is to align all non-clinical neuroscience research at WVU in order to strengthen our research and education missions, and to accelerate our national reputation for brain research and education. The CFNRE is a campus-wide initiative that builds upon the collective resources and expertise in Neuroscience. The CFNRE is a where consolidation and alignment of graduate and other neuroscience training programs may occur and will strengthen our overall neuroscience program to elevate the quality and quantity neuroscience students at WVU. 

The West Virginia University Center for Foundational Neuroscience Research and Education is generously supported by the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, the WVU Health Science Center, Eberly College of Arts & Sciences, and Statler College of Engineering.

Internal Advisory Board:

Dr. David Adelson

Professor, Department of Neurosurgery

Executive Director, WVU Medicine Children's Hospital Neuroscience Center

View Profile.

Dr. Kevin Daly
Professor, Department of Biology
View Profile.

Dr. Cerasela Zoica Dinu
Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
View Profile. 

Dr. Peter Konrad
Professor and Chair, Department of Neurosurgery
View Profile.

Dr. Kevin Larkin
Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology
View Profile.

Dr. Randy Nelson
Professor and Chair, Department of Neuroscience
View Profile.

Dr. Krestin Radonovich

Associate Professor, Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry

View Profile.

Dr. Ansaar T. Rai
Professor and Chair, Department of Neuroradiology
View Profile.

Dr. James W. Simpkins
Professor, Department of Neurosciences
View Profile.

Dr. David Watson
Professor and Chair, Department of Neurology
View Profile.

External Advisory Board:

Dr. Ted Abel
Director, Iowa Neuroscience Institute
Professor and Chair, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology
University of Iowa
View Website.

Dr. Staci Bilbo
Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Duke University
View Website.

Dr. Seth Blackshaw
Professor, Department of Neuroscience 
Johns Hopkins University
View Website.

Dr. Bin He
Trustee Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience Institute
Carnegie Melon University
View Website.

Dr. Cheryl Sisk
Professor, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program
Michigan State University
View Website.

How to join the CFNRE. 

All members (primary and secondary faculty) of the RNI departments are automatically members of the Center. Others who wish to join should send a formal request to join the Center and their CV to the Director. The internal advisory committee will vote on affiliation. To retain affiliation, members must contribute to the research or education mission of the Center. Such contributions may include providing a lecture for the graduate or undergraduate neuroscience students, publishing a paper with the WVUCFNRE affiliation listed, serving on a grad student committee, or provide other administrative support to the Center. Faculty will be reviewed every two years and a 1-year grace period will be provided.