Dr. Itia Favre-Bulle
ARC DECRA Research Fellow, Queensland Brain Institute, Australia
With a background in photonics, Dr. Favre-Bulle pursued a PhD at the intersection of optical physics and neuroscience, where she developed innovative methods to manipulate and visualize biological systems. Her research has provided new insights into neural activity, ranging from single-cell resolution to comprehensive brain-wide analysis. Dr. Favre-Bulle’s work includes pioneering applications of optical physics techniques in neuroscience. For instance, she has explored the vestibular and auditory systems in zebrafish by employing optical trapping to apply physical forces to the inner ears of larvae. This technique effectively simulates sensations of acceleration and sound, offering new perspectives on sensory processing. Additionally, she designed an advanced optical system for 2-photon optogenetics that precisely illuminates individual neurons in-vivo within zebrafish. This system allows for precise activation based on real-time neuronal feedback, shedding light on the roles of specific neurons within broader neural networks. Through these innovative approaches, Dr. Favre-Bulle is uncovering novel pathways to deepen our understanding of neuronal dynamics.