Research Interests
Our fundamental goal is to understand how neurons communicate in circuits to establish an appropriate level of activity that produces a robust, stable behavior. Our approach is to analyze in detail a model neural circuit that controls egg-laying behavior in the nematode C. elegans. We are taking advantage of the optical clarity and powerful genetics in this experimental system to literally watch the activity of every cell in the circuit in behaving animals using fluorescent Ca2+ reporters, and also to manipulate their activity using optogenetic tools. Using mutations and transgenes to discover and alter molecular signaling events between cells, we are determining how the complex pattern of activity in a circuit creates a coherent, regulated behavior. The neural circuit we study uses conserved, medically relevant neurotransmitters, including serotonin and acetylcholine, and we expect these studies will reveal general principles of neurotransmitter signaling and neural circuit function with applications to understanding the human nervous system and its dysfunction in disease.Teaching Interests
I enjoy teaching students in the classroom and laboratory, focusing on core biological principles, experimental techniques, and ways of thinking rather than the memorization of facts. My goals are: (1) foster a supportive but challenging atmosphere where questions, critical thinking, and collaboration are encouraged; (2) establish a solid foundation of basic biological principles and methods, and how they can be used to creatively address interesting scientific questions; (3) develop effective written and oral communication skills; and (4) cultivate a broad interest in science and its role in society.
C. elegans is a great model system to teach students laboratory research. In my group, we develop research projects collaboratively: designing experiments, discussing results, performing data analyses, and communicating the impact of our work in a clear, simple, and interesting way.
Education
| 2006 | Ph.D. Biochemistry, Dartmouth College |
| 1997 | B.S. Biological Studies, Carnegie Mellon University |
Professional Experience
| 2020 - | Associate Professor, Department of Biology, University of Miami |
| 2014 - 2020 | Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Miami |
| 2013 - 2014 | Associate Research Scientist, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University |
| 2006 - 2012 | Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University |
Honors & Acknowledgements
2019-2024, NSF CAREER (PI: Collins KM), "Regulation of reproductive behaviors by mechanosensory feedback”
2019-2023, NIH R01 (PIs: Collins KM and Koelle MR), “Neuromodulator signaling and activity in the C. elegans egg-laying circuit”
2014-2018, NIH R01 (PIs: Collins, KM and Koelle, MR), “Neuromodulator Signaling and Activity in the C. elegans Egg-laying Circuit
2012, EMBO C. elegans Neurobiology Conference, Poster Prize
2011-2012 American Heart Association, Postdoctoral Fellowship
2007-2010, NIH, Individual National Research Service Award
2003, American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Travel Award
2002-2004, NIH, Molecular and Cellular Biology Training Grant
Neuroscience | Molecular and Cellular Biology | Behavior
Publications
Ravi B, Zhao J, Chaudhry SI, Signorelli R, Bartole MK, Kopchock RJ 3rd, Guijarro C, Kaplan JM, Kang L, and Collins KM Genetics opchock RJ 3rd, Guijarro C, Kaplan JM, Kang L, and Collins KM. (2021) Presynaptic Gαo (GOA-1) signals to depress command neuron excitability and allow for stretch-dependent modulation of egg laying in Caenorhabditis elegansVolume 218, Issue 4 (August 2021). [Link]
Kopchock, 3rd RJ, Ravi B, Bode A, Collins KM J. Neurosci The sex-specific VC neurons are mechanically activated motor neurons that facilitate serotonin-induced egg laying in C. elegans3635-365041(16) (2021). [Link]
Munro CJ*, Nguyen MA*, Falgons C, Chaudhry SI, Olagunjo M, Bode A, Bobé C, Portela ME, Knecht MR, and Collins KM Environmental Science: Nano Identification of Toxicity Effects of Cu2O Materials on C. elegans as a Function of Environmental Ionic Composition645-6557(2) (2020). [Link]
Brewer, J, A.C. Olson, K.M. Collins & M.R. Koelle PLoS Genetics 15 Serotonin and a neuropeptide co-transmitter are both used by the HSN command neuron to initiate C. elegans egg laying (2019).
Munro, C.J.*, M.A. Nguyen*, C. Falgons, S.I. Chaudhry, M. Olagunjo, A. Bode, C. Bobé, M.E. Portela , M.R. Knecht* & K.M. Collins* Environmental Science: Nano. 7 Identification of toxicity effects of Cu2O materials on C. elegans as a function of environmental ionic composition645-655 (2020).
Ravi, B., J. Garcia & K.M. Collins Journal of Neuroscience 38 Homeostatic feedback modulates the development of two-state patterned activity in a model serotonin motor circuit in Caenorhabditis elegans.6283-6298 (2018).
