Kirstie Cummings
@kacummings.bsky.social
Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham studying the circuit mechanisms of learning and memory. Lover of interneurons 🥰. Displaced New Yorker. First-gen college grad. Above all else, be kind. She/her.
Cummingslab.com
Cummingslab.com
Pinned
Kirstie Cummings
@kacummings.bsky.social
· Feb 10
Happy to share the newest study from our lab, led by superstar postdoc Dr. Rodrigo Campos Cardoso, where we resolve the infralimbic cortex GABAergic circuits of fear extinction: tinyurl.com/38vvr2my
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
🚨 new work from the lab!
"Hippocampal astrocytic sequences emerge during learning and memory recall" by @ryguy.io & @rsuthard.bsky.social
thank you to the entire team for your camaraderie and for muscling through science together 🧠 -- we welcome all feedback!
nature.com/articles/s41...
"Hippocampal astrocytic sequences emerge during learning and memory recall" by @ryguy.io & @rsuthard.bsky.social
thank you to the entire team for your camaraderie and for muscling through science together 🧠 -- we welcome all feedback!
nature.com/articles/s41...
Hippocampal astrocytic sequences emerge during learning and memory recall
Nature Neuroscience - Senne, Suthard and colleagues show that dorsal hippocampal astrocytes display time-compressed calcium-event sequences after foot shock and upon context re-exposure, and that...
nature.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:02 PM
🚨 new work from the lab!
"Hippocampal astrocytic sequences emerge during learning and memory recall" by @ryguy.io & @rsuthard.bsky.social
thank you to the entire team for your camaraderie and for muscling through science together 🧠 -- we welcome all feedback!
nature.com/articles/s41...
"Hippocampal astrocytic sequences emerge during learning and memory recall" by @ryguy.io & @rsuthard.bsky.social
thank you to the entire team for your camaraderie and for muscling through science together 🧠 -- we welcome all feedback!
nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Thrilled to share that I was selected for a Mexican government program aimed at strengthening collaborations between research institutions in Mexico and Mexican scientists abroad, receiving the distinction of Investigator Level 1! 🇲🇽🔬
What a great way to start Hispanic Heritage Month!
What a great way to start Hispanic Heritage Month!
September 15, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Thrilled to share that I was selected for a Mexican government program aimed at strengthening collaborations between research institutions in Mexico and Mexican scientists abroad, receiving the distinction of Investigator Level 1! 🇲🇽🔬
What a great way to start Hispanic Heritage Month!
What a great way to start Hispanic Heritage Month!
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
New preprint alert! 🚨 🧠
My postdoctoral work in Al Kaye’s lab has focused on understanding how animals navigate and learn from threats in their environment.
To study this, I developed a virtual visual cliff height threat task, inspired by Boone et al. 2021.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
My postdoctoral work in Al Kaye’s lab has focused on understanding how animals navigate and learn from threats in their environment.
To study this, I developed a virtual visual cliff height threat task, inspired by Boone et al. 2021.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
An adaptive noradrenergic-prefrontal circuit for innate avoidance of heights
Innate preferences determine how animals interact with the environment, but how experience refines the neural processes underlying those intrinsic motivations is not well understood. Here we develop a...
www.biorxiv.org
September 15, 2026 at 3:31 PM
New preprint alert! 🚨 🧠
My postdoctoral work in Al Kaye’s lab has focused on understanding how animals navigate and learn from threats in their environment.
To study this, I developed a virtual visual cliff height threat task, inspired by Boone et al. 2021.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
My postdoctoral work in Al Kaye’s lab has focused on understanding how animals navigate and learn from threats in their environment.
To study this, I developed a virtual visual cliff height threat task, inspired by Boone et al. 2021.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Dear “all of my students,” you know I’m basically a boomer so please just send me the Word doc to edit instead of a link to a Google doc. You know I’m going to download it and send you back the track-changed doc… 😂
Billys O Gates Deletes 'My Computer' Icon
Alt: Billys O Gates Deletes 'My Computer' Icon
static.klipy.com
September 9, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Dear “all of my students,” you know I’m basically a boomer so please just send me the Word doc to edit instead of a link to a Google doc. You know I’m going to download it and send you back the track-changed doc… 😂
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Congratulations to Dr. HaoSheng Sun and Dr. Kirstie Cummings on receiving the 2026-2027 FCIDD McNulty Civitan Scientist Award! This 3-year award will help fuel their cross-field research in postnatal brain development.
Read more: buff.ly/flMzx2X
@mus-elegans.bsky.social @kacummings.bsky.social
Read more: buff.ly/flMzx2X
@mus-elegans.bsky.social @kacummings.bsky.social
September 4, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Congratulations to Dr. HaoSheng Sun and Dr. Kirstie Cummings on receiving the 2026-2027 FCIDD McNulty Civitan Scientist Award! This 3-year award will help fuel their cross-field research in postnatal brain development.
Read more: buff.ly/flMzx2X
@mus-elegans.bsky.social @kacummings.bsky.social
Read more: buff.ly/flMzx2X
@mus-elegans.bsky.social @kacummings.bsky.social
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Meet the #MCCS26 officers!
Dr. @flubinlab.bsky.social is a distinguished professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her lab studies the molecular and genetic basis of learning & memory and related disorders.
Join us on November 12 & 13. Register here: event.fourwaves.com/4599d6d4-273...
Dr. @flubinlab.bsky.social is a distinguished professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her lab studies the molecular and genetic basis of learning & memory and related disorders.
Join us on November 12 & 13. Register here: event.fourwaves.com/4599d6d4-273...
September 1, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Meet the #MCCS26 officers!
Dr. @flubinlab.bsky.social is a distinguished professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her lab studies the molecular and genetic basis of learning & memory and related disorders.
Join us on November 12 & 13. Register here: event.fourwaves.com/4599d6d4-273...
Dr. @flubinlab.bsky.social is a distinguished professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her lab studies the molecular and genetic basis of learning & memory and related disorders.
Join us on November 12 & 13. Register here: event.fourwaves.com/4599d6d4-273...
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
My lab is ALSO recruiting a new postdoc to work on an exciting NIH-funded project. Start date ideally by early 2027. Please share with any recent or soon-to-defend neuro/psych PhDs with experience in rodent labs. northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/careers/job/...
Postdoctoral Research Associate
About the Opportunity Job Summary The Shansky Lab is seeking a full-time postdoc to conduct National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded behavioral neuroscience research investigating sex differences in...
northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
August 31, 2026 at 7:40 PM
My lab is ALSO recruiting a new postdoc to work on an exciting NIH-funded project. Start date ideally by early 2027. Please share with any recent or soon-to-defend neuro/psych PhDs with experience in rodent labs. northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/careers/job/...
Massive congratulations to PhD candidates Zephyr Desa and Hunter Franks for sweeping the first place poster and oral presentation awards at the 2026 UAB Comprehensive Neurosciene Center Retreat! Proud PI moment 😊
August 27, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Massive congratulations to PhD candidates Zephyr Desa and Hunter Franks for sweeping the first place poster and oral presentation awards at the 2026 UAB Comprehensive Neurosciene Center Retreat! Proud PI moment 😊
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Just accepted the 2nd study section invitation for this autumn/winter.
If you can serve on study section, please accept when asked. The SROs and the POs are working so hard to get good science funded.
If you can serve on study section, please accept when asked. The SROs and the POs are working so hard to get good science funded.
August 18, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Just accepted the 2nd study section invitation for this autumn/winter.
If you can serve on study section, please accept when asked. The SROs and the POs are working so hard to get good science funded.
If you can serve on study section, please accept when asked. The SROs and the POs are working so hard to get good science funded.
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
I am proud of this paper. Since it came out in 2022 it has received 0 citations (yes that's a zero). But multiple young scientists have found it useful! (from other labs, so they were not coerced...). Perhaps you will find it useful too?
SOME TIPS FOR WRITING SCIENCE
doi.org/10.1523/ENEU...
SOME TIPS FOR WRITING SCIENCE
doi.org/10.1523/ENEU...
Some Tips for Writing Science
When preparing a scientific paper, we typically write with coauthors who have different backgrounds and styles, and we target readers who have little time and patience. To help both readers and writer...
doi.org
August 17, 2026 at 6:37 PM
I am proud of this paper. Since it came out in 2022 it has received 0 citations (yes that's a zero). But multiple young scientists have found it useful! (from other labs, so they were not coerced...). Perhaps you will find it useful too?
SOME TIPS FOR WRITING SCIENCE
doi.org/10.1523/ENEU...
SOME TIPS FOR WRITING SCIENCE
doi.org/10.1523/ENEU...
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
📢 Applications are now open for the NIH Stadtman Tenure-Track Investigator Program! We're recruiting early-career scientists across all areas of biomedical research for tenure-track faculty positions in the NIH Intramural Research Program. Deadline: Sept 30, 2026.
🔗 tinyurl.com/stadtman26
🔗 tinyurl.com/stadtman26
Stadtman Tenure-Track Investigators | NIH Intramural Research Program
irp.nih.gov
August 17, 2026 at 11:42 AM
📢 Applications are now open for the NIH Stadtman Tenure-Track Investigator Program! We're recruiting early-career scientists across all areas of biomedical research for tenure-track faculty positions in the NIH Intramural Research Program. Deadline: Sept 30, 2026.
🔗 tinyurl.com/stadtman26
🔗 tinyurl.com/stadtman26
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
I’m going to miss seeing this great group
of people every day. I better see you all at the next Frontal Cortex, if not sooner!! ✌🏻🧠
of people every day. I better see you all at the next Frontal Cortex, if not sooner!! ✌🏻🧠
August 14, 2026 at 7:48 PM
I’m going to miss seeing this great group
of people every day. I better see you all at the next Frontal Cortex, if not sooner!! ✌🏻🧠
of people every day. I better see you all at the next Frontal Cortex, if not sooner!! ✌🏻🧠
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Thanks @rudebecklab.bsky.social and @realdiehllab.bsky.social for chairing a fantastic GRC Frontal Cortex! Lasting impact and inspiration 🫶🏼
August 14, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Thanks @rudebecklab.bsky.social and @realdiehllab.bsky.social for chairing a fantastic GRC Frontal Cortex! Lasting impact and inspiration 🫶🏼
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Another wonderful Frontal Cortex GRS/GRC 🔥 looking forward to digging into all of my notes … after a weekend of many naps
August 14, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Another wonderful Frontal Cortex GRS/GRC 🔥 looking forward to digging into all of my notes … after a weekend of many naps
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Perhaps you're having FOMO over missing GRC Frontal Cortex this year. Understandable, regrettable
BUT BE NOT AFRAID because you're going to GRC Frontal Cortex 2028!!
with your chairs @drbediya.bsky.social and @kacummings.bsky.social and your new vice chairs @markgbaxter.bsky.social and...MOI 🧠💅💖
BUT BE NOT AFRAID because you're going to GRC Frontal Cortex 2028!!
with your chairs @drbediya.bsky.social and @kacummings.bsky.social and your new vice chairs @markgbaxter.bsky.social and...MOI 🧠💅💖
Calling all PFC and PFC-adjacent neuroscientists--registration for the GRC Frontal Cortex - "Frontal Cortex in Function, Dysfunction, & Therapies" is open! Check out the amazing lineup of speakers for this year's program, feat. keynotes by Geoff Schoenbaum & Helen Mayberg
www.grc.org/frontal-cort...
www.grc.org/frontal-cort...
August 14, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Perhaps you're having FOMO over missing GRC Frontal Cortex this year. Understandable, regrettable
BUT BE NOT AFRAID because you're going to GRC Frontal Cortex 2028!!
with your chairs @drbediya.bsky.social and @kacummings.bsky.social and your new vice chairs @markgbaxter.bsky.social and...MOI 🧠💅💖
BUT BE NOT AFRAID because you're going to GRC Frontal Cortex 2028!!
with your chairs @drbediya.bsky.social and @kacummings.bsky.social and your new vice chairs @markgbaxter.bsky.social and...MOI 🧠💅💖
What an amazing Frontal Cortex GRC! 🧠 Special congrats to lab members Brianna and Hunter on outstanding talks 🗣, Rebekah and Hunter for their GRC Best Poster Awards 🏆, and Zephyr for being elected as co-Chair of the 2028 GRS 💪. I can't wait to serve as co-Chair at the next GRC - see you in 2028! 🤩
August 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM
What an amazing Frontal Cortex GRC! 🧠 Special congrats to lab members Brianna and Hunter on outstanding talks 🗣, Rebekah and Hunter for their GRC Best Poster Awards 🏆, and Zephyr for being elected as co-Chair of the 2028 GRS 💪. I can't wait to serve as co-Chair at the next GRC - see you in 2028! 🤩
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
We’re hiring a research technician!!
We’re an inclusive team of behavioral neuroscientists trying to discover the brain circuits of learning, decision making, and habit. More info👇
wassumlab.psych.ucla.edu/join-the-lab/
Job posting: jobs.ucla.edu/jobs/11232
We’re an inclusive team of behavioral neuroscientists trying to discover the brain circuits of learning, decision making, and habit. More info👇
wassumlab.psych.ucla.edu/join-the-lab/
Job posting: jobs.ucla.edu/jobs/11232
August 11, 2026 at 5:58 PM
We’re hiring a research technician!!
We’re an inclusive team of behavioral neuroscientists trying to discover the brain circuits of learning, decision making, and habit. More info👇
wassumlab.psych.ucla.edu/join-the-lab/
Job posting: jobs.ucla.edu/jobs/11232
We’re an inclusive team of behavioral neuroscientists trying to discover the brain circuits of learning, decision making, and habit. More info👇
wassumlab.psych.ucla.edu/join-the-lab/
Job posting: jobs.ucla.edu/jobs/11232
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
These mPFC neurons are telling me that GRS @grc-frontal-cortex.bsky.social starts today!!! On my way to the airport. Can't wait to listen the amazing projects people are working on. So honored to co chair the GRS with @albitc.bsky.social
August 8, 2026 at 8:38 AM
These mPFC neurons are telling me that GRS @grc-frontal-cortex.bsky.social starts today!!! On my way to the airport. Can't wait to listen the amazing projects people are working on. So honored to co chair the GRS with @albitc.bsky.social
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Going to my first conference in over a year and I just need to know if there are like any new trends or cultural shifts so I don’t embarrass myself TYSM
Steve Buscemi: How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?
Alt: Steve Buscemi: How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?
static.klipy.com
August 7, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Going to my first conference in over a year and I just need to know if there are like any new trends or cultural shifts so I don’t embarrass myself TYSM
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
#MSNseminars APPLICATIONS is now OPEN! Senior #Postdocs in all fields of #Neuroscience are encouraged to apply for this INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY to share your research, visit @mountsinainyc.bsky.social & meet w/ faculty/trainees! the deadline is September 1 👉 APPLY NOW using the QR code in the flyer!
August 7, 2026 at 8:17 PM
#MSNseminars APPLICATIONS is now OPEN! Senior #Postdocs in all fields of #Neuroscience are encouraged to apply for this INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY to share your research, visit @mountsinainyc.bsky.social & meet w/ faculty/trainees! the deadline is September 1 👉 APPLY NOW using the QR code in the flyer!
Huge shout out to the reviewers of our recent manuscript for providing constructive feedback to improve our study without request for unnecessary extra experiments - especially during TheseTimes™️! I appreciate you, whoever you are!! 🙌 🫶
August 7, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Huge shout out to the reviewers of our recent manuscript for providing constructive feedback to improve our study without request for unnecessary extra experiments - especially during TheseTimes™️! I appreciate you, whoever you are!! 🙌 🫶
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Reposted by Kirstie Cummings
Holy crap my R01 was just renewed. Literally staring at the NoA in disbelief. I was told back in April it would not be funded and I was mentally preparing to wind the lab down. Now here we are with the chance to rebuild (again, if you've been with me for a while).
Is This Real Life?
Alt: Meme icon "David after the dentist" asking, "Is This Real Life?"
static.klipy.com
July 29, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Holy crap my R01 was just renewed. Literally staring at the NoA in disbelief. I was told back in April it would not be funded and I was mentally preparing to wind the lab down. Now here we are with the chance to rebuild (again, if you've been with me for a while).
Congratulations to Cummings lab graduate student Hunter Franks on his NRSA F31 award! Hunter will resolve the mPFC GABAergic circuit mechanisms of opioid reward seeking. I cannot be more proud to be his mentor 🧠🎊
July 27, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Congratulations to Cummings lab graduate student Hunter Franks on his NRSA F31 award! Hunter will resolve the mPFC GABAergic circuit mechanisms of opioid reward seeking. I cannot be more proud to be his mentor 🧠🎊
This year's Neuroscience Seminar Series is 👌 with a stellar lineup of field-leading neuroscientists across career stages. We can't wait to kick this off next month! Thanks to @uabneuro.bsky.social for the generous support!
Get ready for the 2026-2027 UAB Neuroscience Seminar Series! Coordinated by @kacummings.bsky.social, this CNC-sponsored series brings external speakers to campus for weekly seminars at the cutting edge of neuroscience.
July 27, 2026 at 2:50 PM
This year's Neuroscience Seminar Series is 👌 with a stellar lineup of field-leading neuroscientists across career stages. We can't wait to kick this off next month! Thanks to @uabneuro.bsky.social for the generous support!