Martha Johnson Gdowski, Ph.D.

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RESEARCH:

Sensorimotor Integration in the Basal Ganglia

Many variables influence the decision of whether and when to initiate, suppress, or alter a movement in progress. These decisions, and the movements that follow, are likely orchestrated using basal ganglia circuitry. We postulate that one role of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is to arrest highly practiced movements or movements that are in progress in order to allow for the evaluation of the need for an adjustment of the movement command. The decision to generate a voluntary movement is preceded by evaluation of the context in which the movement is to occur. Consider the factors that influence our motivation to pet a purring cat, or to suppress the petting of a dog. Prior experiences providing a cumulative record of positive or negative outcomes are likely to be strong influences in these evaluations. For instance, prior experiences with a family cat may have proven to be pleasing, whereas a menacing encounter with an unfamiliar dog may have had adverse consequences. These are simple examples of how past and current context contribute to the ultimate decision to move. If the neural circuitry that is responsible for these evaluations are impaired, inappropriate inhibition or facilitation of movements will occur. Several lines of evidence suggest that STN function is impaired in Parkinson Disease (PD) and that treatment with dopamine agonists (Levadopa) or STN deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) may further alter STN function, changing the way in which voluntary movement decisions are made. Work in collaboration with Jonathan W. Mink, MD, PhD and Michelle Burack, MD, PhD examines the effects of drug and deep brain stimulation treatments for PD by quantifying limb movement during the performance of tasks that require sensorimotor integration.

Current Appointments

• Associate Professor - Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy (SMD)

Education
PhD Anatomy	The Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center	1995
BS Biology	Gannon University	1990

Post-Doctoral Training & Residency
Research Associate Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL and the Evanston Hospital Department of Neurology, Evanston, IL; James C. Houk, Ph.D. and Lee E. Miller, Ph.D., Research Advisors	1997 - 2001
Research Fellow, Department of Neurosurgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH. Mark Luciano, M.D., Ph.D., Research Advisor	1995 - 1997

Fellowship Awards
Department of Neurosurgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH

Awards and Honors
First Year SMD Teaching Commendation | University of Rochester School of Medicine Class of 2012	2009
Ruggles Fellowship in Movement Disorders | Evanston Hospital Department of Neurology	1997 - 2001
National Hydrocephalus Foundation Award for Presenation of Research at the Pediatric Section Meeting of the AANS | American Association of Neurological Surgeons	1996
P.E.O. Scholar Award Educational Grant | Philanthropic Education Organization (P.E.O.)	1994 - 1995
Teacher Appreciation Award | Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine	1993
Graduate Assistant Award for Outstanding Teaching | Pennsylvania State University	1993
Excellence in Teaching Award | Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine	1992