Carmen Varela

Assistant Professor

Recruiting a graduate student for Fall of 2025


Carmen Varela

Contact Information

B438
Neuroscience
Faculty

Education

Ph.D., University of Chicago, 2008

Research Interests

The Varela Lab aims to elucidate the mechanisms (cellular, network, computational) by which thalamic cells and networks contribute to learning and memory. A primary goal is to shed light on the spike and local field potential dynamics that facilitate learning and memory across the sleep-wake cycle. One of the lab's general hypotheses is that thalamic networks allow mammals to learn and update the internal mental models of the world that are the foundation of adaptive behavior.

Current Research

Ongoing experiments include determining the sleep spindle cell dynamics that promote memory consolidation and cognitive flexibility in rats. A second project aims to develop innovative methods for closed-loop regulation of sleep oscillations to improve cognitive function. One more project seeks to determine the link between thalamic activity and sleep stability and microarchitecture.  

Our projects have been funded by several agencies (NIH, Whitehall Foundation, Alzheimer's Association) and provide advanced training in behavioral and systems neuroscience, equipping lab students and postdocs with a solid career foundation to lead the field in the future.

Lab Description

The Varela Lab employs several experimental and data analysis methods, including extracellular electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavior analysis, to gain unique insights into the spike dynamics and brain states that enable rodents to learn and make sense of their environment. 

The lab is a highly interactive and multidisciplinary environment, which provides a rich and engaging learning experience. Lab members have backgrounds in neuroscience, psychology, physics, computer science, and engineering. Students interested in joining the lab are encouraged to contact Carmen for more information.

Varela C, Wilson MA. Reversal Learning: It's just a phase. Current Biology. Vol. 32, Issue 15, pr849-r851, AUGUST 08, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2022.06.045 ​

Becker LA, Penagos H, Flores FF, Manoach DS, Wilson MA, Varela C. Eszopiclone and Zolpidem Produce Opposite Effects on Hippocampal Ripple Density. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2022. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.792148/full​

Desai, N; Varela, C. Distinct Burst Properties Contribute to the Functional Diversity of Thalamic Nuclei. J Comp Neurol. 2021 Mar 15. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cne.25141

Varela C, Wilson MA. mPFC Spindle Cycles Organize Sparse Thalamic Activation and Recently Active CA1 cells During non-REM Sleep. eLife. 2020 June 11; DOI: 10.7554/eLife.48881. https://elifesciences.org/articles/48881​

Wilson MA, Varela C, Remondes M. Phase organization of network computations. Current Opinion in Neurobiology 2015. Feb10; 31C:250-253. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2014.12.011. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=varela+wilson+remondes​

Varela C, Kumar S, Yang JY, Wilson MA. Anatomical substrates for direct interactions between hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex and the thalamic nucleus reuniens. Brain Structure & Function 219, no. 3 (May 2014): 911–29. doi:10.1007/s00429-013-0543-5. ​http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23571778


Undergraduate Research

Explore the Directed Individual Study (DIS) opportunities below or learn more.


Postdocs

Zoe S. Atherton
Postdoctoral Fellow
Neuroscience
Annie da Costa Souza
Postdoctoral Fellow
Neuroscience