Faculty Spotlight: Associate Professor Diasynou Fioravante, PhD
Dr. Diasynou Fioravante is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior in the College of Biological Sciences, a core member of the Center for Neuroscience, and an affiliated faculty member at the Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics and the Center for Neuroengineering and Medicine at UC Davis.
Background
Dr. Diasynou Fioravante obtained her B.A. in psychology from the American College of Greece. She then earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, followed by postdoctoral training in neuroscience at Harvard Medical School. Her lab at the Center for Neuroscience investigates the neurophysiology of long-range neural circuits related to affective learning and motivated behavior, utilizing anatomical, electrophysiological, and imaging approaches. As an early investigator, Dr. Fioravante received numerous awards for her research, including the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation NARSAD Young Investigator Award, the Brain Research Foundation Frank/Fay Seed Award, a Hellman Fellows Award, and a Whitehall Foundation Junior Investigator Award. For her service to the UC Davis community and outreach activities, she has been honored with the Society for Neuroscience Next Generation Award, a Center for Neuroscience Faculty Service Award, a Neuroscience Graduate Group Faculty Service Award, and the Outstanding Graduate Mentor in Neuroscience Award. Dr. Fioravante’s research is currently funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Brain Initiative.
- What do you like to do when you are not in the lab or at work, i.e. not doing science?
I like going on walks because it helps me clear my mind and think better. When it gets too hot in Davis to walk outside, I can often be seen pacing up and down in the Medical Neurosciences building at the Center for Neuroscience. I am also a fan of coffee and wine culture: I enjoy going to coffee shops and wine bars with friends, trying different varieties, chatting about life and science.
- How do you describe your research?
At the Fioravante lab, we explore how the mammalian brain learns about the value (valence) and strength (acquired salience) of stimuli, and how it makes predictions during affective and cognitive processing. Computing these neural primitives is fundamental for learning and adapting behavior to changing environments. It is not surprising therefore that disruption of these primitives underlies various learning and mental health disorders. Our research focuses on the networks of molecules, synapses, and neurons that connect the cerebellum—often called the brain’s 'prediction machine'—to limbic brain areas, including the amygdala, the nucleus accumbens, and the serotonergic system. Our goal is to understand the role of these networks in cognition, emotion, and reinforcement learning.
One of our significant findings is the mapping of a novel pathway from the cerebellum to the amygdala through the limbic thalamus. We have discovered that this pathway conveys neural signals that modulate extinction learning. Additionally, we investigate how stimulation of the cerebellum affects neural activity and dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, shedding light on the role of the cerebellum in the brain's reward system. These insights are pivotal as they extend our understanding of cerebellar function beyond motor control, demonstrating the integration of the cerebellum into cognitive and emotional processes. Our findings have the potential to inform treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders by identifying new cerebellar circuits for neuromodulation. Furthermore, in collaboration with neurogeneticists, we are examining how genetic alterations in the cerebellum impact brain development and function, with a particular focus on autism spectrum disorder. Our studies deepen understanding of autism and identify potentially critical periods for therapeutic intervention, paving the way for targeted treatments based on precise genetic and circuit-level insights.
- Do you have a favorite quote or a mantra or something that you use to keep yourself motivated?
One of my favorite quotes that keeps me motivated is: "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” which is attributed to Marie Curie. The quote resonates with me because it captures the essence of scientific inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge. It reminds me that challenges and uncertainties are not obstacles to be feared, but opportunities to learn and grow. This mindset helps me stay focused and driven, even when faced with difficult problems or setbacks in my research.
- What got you hooked on science? Who or what inspired you?
My fascination with science began at a very young age, sparked by a French television series, “Il était une fois…la vie” (“Once Upon a Time…Life”). This animated series vividly taught children about the human body and its various systems through imaginative storytelling and then-groundbreaking animation. Who could resist tiny people in white suits (representing white blood cells) navigating blood vessels in flying saucers on search-and-destroy missions? Along with “Once Upon a Time…Space” and “Once Upon a Time…Mankind,” these shows ignited my passion for biology and science.
In high school, an inspiring biology teacher further fueled my curiosity about biological systems. However, it wasn’t until college that I was introduced to research in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Nikoletseas, who encouraged me to pursue graduate studies. My graduate mentor, Dr. John Byrne, and postdoctoral advisor, Dr. Wade Regehr, both with backgrounds in electrical engineering, inspired me with their precision and clarity of thought, which they adeptly applied to their research.
Today, I continue to be inspired by my talented colleagues at UC Davis and around the world, who pioneer innovative approaches in neuroscience and push the boundaries of scientific discovery and knowledge.
- Please share a less-than-perfect experience, like a failure or a challenge.
Impostor syndrome is a challenge that many young scientists face, and I was no exception. On several instances during my training years and even after my appointment as an assistant professor, I often felt out of place. The fear of “coming up short” as a researcher, a teacher and a mentor was difficult to overcome at times. Achieving tenure has helped alleviate these self-doubts, allowing me to concentrate on my professional goals with greater confidence. To those experiencing similar feelings, please understand that self-doubt is common in competitive fields like science but it does not reflect your abilities or potential. In my lab, we foster a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone is encouraged to express their ideas and pursue their scientific interests.
- And how about a favorite success?
One of my favorite successes in my career was the establishment of my own research lab. Opening the lab was a significant milestone and represented the culmination of years of work, dedication, and perseverance. It provided a platform to pursue independent research and to build a team of talented and motivated individuals. Every research milestone we achieve, every paper we publish and each new grant we secure is a testament to the collective effort of my team. The achievements of my trainees are my achievements. Seeing my trainees develop into competent scientists, achieve distinctions, and progress in their careers brings me immense pride and satisfaction. These moments of success, both personal and shared, fuel my passion for science.
- Do you have a favorite piece of advice for students interested in neuroengineering?
Neuroengineering is inherently interdisciplinary. Embrace this interdisciplinarity and seek out opportunities to collaborate with engineers, neurobiologists, and clinicians. Cross-pollination of ideas is key to innovation. Building a strong network of mentors and peers across disciplines is also incredibly beneficial for guidance and support. Also, stay curious and open-minded, as the field is rapidly evolving. Keep up with the latest research and technological advancements, study the literature, and be emboldened to explore new ideas and approaches. Don’t be afraid to fail.
Finally, keep the potential impact of your work at the forefront of your efforts, and let that be your guiding motivation. The integration of engineering principles with biological research holds immense promise for the future of neural science and I am excited to be a member of the neuroengineering program at UC Davis.
