Vivian Budnik

Vivian Budnik is a prominent neurobiologist and Professor and Chair Emeritus in the Department of Neurobiology at UMass Chan Medical School, where her lab investigates the mechanisms of synapse formation, modification, and plasticity using multidisciplinary approaches including genetics, microscopy, electrophysiology, and molecular biology in Drosophila models. Her research has made significant contributions to understanding synaptic signaling, extracellular vesicles in nervous system communication, and links to neurological disorders such as dystonia and muscular dystrophies. She is recognized for expertise in synaptic development and plasticity.