Galya Orr, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist, Fundamental and Computational Sciences Directorate, Chemical and Material Sciences Division, Chemical Structure and DynamicsCurrent Activities and Projects
Expertise
Galya Orr Dr. Galya Orr has initiated and is currently leading an effort that combines the development of imaging techniques with the investigation of the molecular processes of membrane receptors. Galya's effort has been focusing on time-lapse single-molecule fluorescence imaging and high sensitivity FRET analyses to study the molecular interaction dynamics of membrane receptors, and their intimate relationships with their membrane environment. Using the above techniques, nanoscale insights have been gained into the behavior and function of the ErbB receptors and associated proteins. Building on here experience in electrophysiology, Galya has been working toward simultaneous acquisition of single-molecule fluorescence and FRET imaging with single-channel current recording, for investigating structure-function relationships of ion channels. Galya has been also leading an effort that aims at high throughput identification of molecular interactions using imaging techniques.
Research Interests
- Studying the molecular interaction dynamics of the EGF receptor using single-molecule fluorescence imaging and FRET. Identifying the spatial and temporal patterns of receptor interactions with HER2 and other membrane proteins that are involved in information processing across the cell membrane. Gaining nano-scale insights into the structure of the plasma membrane and its role in receptor dynamics, by tracking individual proteins in the living cell.
- Investigating the molecular interactions of the NMDA receptor that govern its unique composition at the synapse during development, using time-laps single-molecule fluorescence imaging and FRET.
- Previous work focused on the electrophysiology of learning and memory in the hippocampus of living animals. Identified electrophysiological correlates of the decline in cognitive functions during aging, and the involvement of the theta rhythm in synaptic plasticity.
Past Experience
Senior Research Scientist, 2000 - Present:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory. Studying real-time molecular interactions and conformational motions of individual membrane receptors in the living cell, and investigating the relationships between the receptors and the membrane microstructure using single-molecule fluorescence imaging. Developing the approach for correlating single-channel current conductance with single-molecule fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy to identify the conformational motions that are responsible for the kinetic behavior of the NMDA receptor.
Graduate Fellow, October 1999 - January 2000:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory. Developed a new technique to investigate the conformational dynamics that underlie the activity of a single channel protein, by correlating single channel current conductance with the single molecule fluoresnce dynamics. Specifically, studying the conformational events that are responsible for the kinetic behavior of the gramicidin channel.
Graduate Research Associate, August 1996 - 1999:
Division of Neural Systems Memory and Aging, University of Arizona. Studied the electrophysiological mechanisms that underlie learning and memory, and the etiology of age-related deterioration of cognitive functions. Specifically, studied the role of the EEG theta rhythm in the experience dependent synaptic plasticity by investigating the electrophysiological responses of the hippocampal matrix in freely behaving animals.
Graduate Research Assistant, June 1994 - June 1995:
Bekesy Laboratories of Neurobiology, University of Hawaii. Studied the effects of the cellular morphology and geometry on the integration of information in single neurons. Specifically, studied re-identifiable neurons of the stomatogastric ganglion by digitizing confocal fluorescent images and running simulations of nerve quations.
Researchialist, September 1987 - March 1993:
Arizona Research Laboratories, Division of Neurobiology, University of Arizona. Studied the role of intercellular interactions in the development of organized processing centers in the brain. In particular, the morphogenetic effect of neurons and glia during formation of glomeruli in the olfactory center.
Research Associate, October 1985 - August 1987:
Pacific International Center for High technology Research, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Hawaii. Developed diagnostic assays for plant pathogenic bacteria by producing monoclonal antibodies.
Education
- Ph.D., Neuroscience, Division of Neural Systems Memory and Aging, University of Arizona, 2002
- Ph.D. studies, Cell, Molecular and Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hawaii, 1993 - 1995 (transferred to University of Arizona)
- B.S., Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, 1984
Awards, Honors, & Appointments
- Merit fellowship, graduate college, University of Arizona
- Merit scholarship, graduate college, University of Hawaii
- Dean's list of honors for scholastic achievements, Israel Institute of Technology
