Research Description

Ruben Berumen was born in Modesto, CA, and earned his B.S. in Pharmacology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is currently entering his fourth year as a Ph.D. student in the Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Group at UC Davis, supported previously by the Pharmacology T32 training grant. Ruben's research broadly investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying learning, memory, and attention, with a focus on activity-dependent phosphorylation of key synaptic proteins. His work in the Hell Lab utilizes genetically modified mouse models to study both Ca(v)1.2 channel phosphorylation at serine 1928 and AMPA receptor GluA1 phosphorylation at serine 845, examining how these modifications regulate synaptic plasticity, dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling, and cognitive behavior. Outside the lab, Ruben enjoys early morning runs and spending time at the park with his 4-year-old German Shepherd/Husky mix, Zuko.