Tressa Pantalena

I am a second-year neuroscience PhD student in Dr. Diego Restrepo’s lab. I received my BS in behavioral neuroscience from Quinnipiac University in 2025. My doctoral research focuses on defining the developmental circuit mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia, with an emphasis on hippocampal inhibitory interneurons and excitation/inhibition balance. Using the 22q11.2 deletion mouse model, I examine how inhibitory interneurons, pyramidal cell excitability, and developmental GABAergic signaling contribute to early circuit abnormalities associated with cognitive deficits. Through the SBMS program, I am mentored by Dr. Anissa Abi-Dargham, a psychiatrist and clinical neuroscientist, on a translational project integrating circuit neuroscience with clinical pharmacology. I am investigating how emerging and established schizophrenia treatments influence hippocampal circuit function and may normalize mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction.

Graduate Advisor: Diego Restrepo, PhD
Clinical Mentor: Anissa Abi-Dargham, MD.