MT180 2022: Priscille Riondel, 1st prize from the regional jury

A neuroscience career path 100% Marseille-based

With a bachelor's degree in physiology and neuroscience, followed by a master's degree in cellular neuroscience, Priscille Riondel has followed a 100% neuroscience career path at Aix-Marseille University. A thesis student since October 2019, with the SPICCI team at the Institut des neurosciences de la Timone, she won 1st prize from the jury in the regional final of the Ma thèse en 180 secondes competition.

Neurons capable of retaining their immature properties

It was during her L2 internship, in the team where she is currently carrying out her thesis, that she developed a taste for research and decided to do a doctorate. She is studying a population of neurons in the spinal cord known as cerebrospinal fluid contact neurons, and aims to better characterize them in order to understand how they function in mammals. She has shown that these neurons have a property of immaturity by studying a neurotransmitter called GABA. During embryonic development, this neurotransmitter is excitatory, and then becomes inhibitory in mature neurons. However, the neurons studied as part of her thesis have retained their embryonic properties, which is no mean feat!

Following a challenge issued during a public speaking course, she took part in the MT180 adventure. Her participation was a resounding success, enabling her to escape routine by meeting other doctoral students and learning to express and embody her ideas. Valuable tools that will serve her well during her thesis defense and well beyond!