On Friday, September 25, 2026, Anda Chirila, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Brown University, delivered a seminar presentation as part of this semester’s seminar series entitled “Flexible Encoding of Touch by Spinal Cord Circuits.”

Dr. Chirila’s talk explored how the spinal cord actively shapes touch perception before sensory information reaches the brain. Drawing on research from her laboratory, she demonstrated how diverse spinal cord circuits integrate and process touch signals, influencing how touch is ultimately represented in the brain.

She also discussed how disruptions in these circuits may contribute to conditions such as chronic pain and sensory processing disorders, highlighting the importance of understanding touch processing beyond the sensory receptors themselves.

Following the presentation, attendees engaged in discussion about the implications of these findings for neuroscience research and the treatment of sensory disorders.

Seminars like these provide an important opportunity for faculty and trainees to learn about emerging discoveries in neuroscience and foster dialogue across disciplines.

Thank you to all who participated in this seminar.