The precise establishment of neuronal connectivity during development is critical for nervous system function. Dr. Kristy Welshhans, Assistant Professor in the Department, was awarded a five year R01 grant for $1,872,670 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to conduct a project titled "Regulating axon guidance through local translation at adhesions". This proposal studies how local protein synthesis regulates the formation of neuronal connectivity. In particular, this work will examine how the extracellular matrix signals through adhesions to stimulate intra-axonal translation, which then controls axon guidance. These studies will provide a greater understanding about the complex nature of brain development in health and disease. Congrats Kristy!