Dr. Luan Tonelli, a seasoned neuroscientist and educator, received his PhD training at the Philipps University of Marburg in Germany, specializing in Neuropsychopharmacology and Behavior. He has served for several years as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Connecticut, where his focus lies in neurological conditions and exploring neural representations of auditory experiences through cutting-edge EEG and MRI techniques.

Dr. Tonelli’s teaching philosophy centers on the integration of rigorous scientific inquiry with practical, real-world applications, aiming to ignite a passion for discovery and innovation among students. He excels in making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging, fostering an interactive learning environment where students are encouraged to question, explore, and contribute to advancing our understanding of the brain, behavior, and disorders. His approach not only prepares students for academic success but also equips them with the critical thinking skills necessary for future scientific endeavors.

curriculum vitae

• Tonelli, L.C., Melo-Thomas, L., Müller, C.P., Wöhr, M. and Schwarting, R.K., 2020. Playback of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations overcomes psychomotor deficits induced by sub-chronic haloperidol treatment in rats. Psychopharmacology, 237, pp.2043-2053. 2020 May 18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32419116/
• Tonelli, L.C., Wöhr, M., Schwarting, R. and Melo-Thomas, L., 2018. Paradoxical kinesia induced by appetitive 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in rats depends on glutamatergic mechanisms in the inferior colliculus. Neuropharmacology, 135, pp.172-179. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29550392/  
• Tonelli, L.C., Wöhr, M., Schwarting, R. and Melo-Thomas, L., 2018. Awakenings in rats by ultrasounds: A new animal model for paradoxical kinesia. Behavioural Brain Research, 337, pp.204-209. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28916501/

• Associate for Research and Otolaryngology (ARO) Travel Award for presentation on Automated Segmentation of Brainstem, Midbrain, Thalamus, and Auditory Cortex: Test-Retest Reliability and Comparison to Manual Segmentation. February 2023. Orlando, FL.
• Award Junior Scientist in Europe by the ECNP Workshop on Neuropsychopharmacology. March 2018, Nice, France.
• Award by the German Neuroscience Society for Young Investigator at the 12th Göttingen Meeting of the German Neuroscience Society. Oral talk presented on “Parkinsonian rats respond to ultrasonic vocalizations: a new animal model of paradoxical kinesia”. March 2016, Göttingen, Germany.