Thomas Parsons
Associate Professor, Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Associate Professor, Otorhinolaryngology
School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
VMD: 1986
PhD: 1989
Graduate Group: Neuroscience
Thesis Topic: Optical monitoring of the electrical activity of neuronal ensembles constructed from identified invertebrate cells
The Parsons laboratory focuses on pre-synaptic mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. Hearing dictates that the inner hair cell of the cochlea must release transmitter for prolonged periods and with exquisite temporal fidelity. Mechanisms of neurotransmitter release are being studied to understand the cellular and molecular specializations utilized by different parts of the nervous system to meet their unique requirements for neurotransmission. Dr. Parsons has also carried out some clinical research that has in recent years focused on the welfare of gestating sows.