Profile:
Prof. Blaise’s research goals are to develop models and tools to advance the study of the biomedical sciences. He currently conducts research at the intersection of biomedical engineering and neuroscience. He has studied the neurophysiology of learning and memory  consolidation using his freely behaving mouse and rat model of long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD)—two candidate mechanisms accounting for much of the information processing performed by the brain. Dr. Blaise has also investigated the impact of prenatal protein malnutrition and neonatal stress on brain circuits involved in learning. More recently, Dr. Blaise has been conducting research whose ultimate aims are to help better understand the linkages between emotionality and memory. For instance, does one’s emotional state alter the ways in which concurrent events and experiences are remembered? Further, stress is known to be mostly harmful to the brain (e.g., as in post-traumatic stress disorders); but are there situations in which stress might be beneficial to brain function? Prof. Blaise’s research aims are to answer some of these difficult questions.

Positions Held:
Trinity College, Chair, Engineering Department (2018-2021)
Trinity College, Associate Professor (2007-Present); Assistant Professor (2001-2007)
CT NASA Space Grant Consortium, Campus Director (2002-2012)
CT Chapter of Society for Neuroscience, Secretary (2008-Present)
Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program, Inc. (CPEP), Board of Directors Member (2002-2010);
        Vice-President (2006-2007), Secretary (2007-2008), President (2008-2010)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., Member (2001-2008); Senior Member (elected
        2008-Present).
International Society for Developmental Neuroscience (ISDN), Council Member (elected 2009-2011).