Alexa Toliver, BS

Alexa became interested in neuroscience and the brain after receiving multiple concussions in middle school and furthered her interests by taking neuroscience courses in high school. In December 2022, Alexa graduated from Arizona State University (ASU) with a B.S. in biological sciences with an emphasis in neurobiology, physiology, and behavior. Throughout her college career, Alexa participated in stroke research studies at both the Georgia Institute of Technology and ASU. At Georgia Tech, she researched action observation training as a rehabilitative technique for stroke survivors with upper limb impairments, and at ASU she conducted research in a telehealth startle therapy for stroke survivors as well.

Alexa is fascinated with a variety of neuroscience topics, but is currently interested is traumatic brain injuries, pharmacology, and mental health in the Black community. She hopes to be a pillar for her community to provide people with adequate resources and knowledge about their brain and its health. Outside of research, Alexa enjoys traveling, watching thriller movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Alexa is fascinated with many different kinds of neuroscience research, but what is currently piquing her interest is traumatic brain injuries, drugs/drug addiction, and mental health in the Black community. She hopes to be a pillar for her community to provide people with adequate resources and knowledge about their brain and its health. Outside of research, Alexa enjoys traveling, watching thriller movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Neuroprep mentor: Robert Gereau, PhD

The Gereau Lab’s mission is to develop new therapies to reduce pain and its impact on quality of life. Alexa is using in situ hybridization techniques to map the expression of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in mouse and human sensory ganglia. She will also be assessing the efficacy of cannabinoid therapeutics in different migraine models.