Meet Sameer Bajikar, New Faculty Member in the School of Medicine
Dr. Sameer Bajikar joined the UVA Schools of Medicine and Engineering & Applied Sciences as an assistant professor in January 2024. Dr. Bajikar, a double Hoo, shared with us about his research and personal interests.
Brain Institute: Briefly describe your current research projects and interests.
Dr. Bajikar: My lab is interested in understanding the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to childhood neurological disorders. We are especially interested in syndromes caused by genetic alterations in “dosage-sensitive” or “Goldilocks” genes. For these syndromes, mutations that decrease (“too cold”) function or levels and mutations that increase (“too hot”) function or levels both cause separate disorders. One example Goldilocks gene we study is methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2). Too little of MECP2 function causes Rett syndrome and too much MECP2 function causes MECP2 duplication syndrome, both of which are severe childhood neurological disorders. Restoring proper levels of MECP2 to “just right” levels improves the disease outcome and brain function in mouse models of both Rett and MECP2 duplication syndromes. My lab is trying to understand the precise means by which brain function is restored and leverage those processes to develop therapeutics for childhood neurological disorders.
How does your research connect with the field of neuroscience?
Mutations in these “Goldilocks” genes often disrupt brain development and function. We use human neuronal and mouse models to identify the molecular and cellular processes that are abnormal in these disorders in neurons and the brain as a whole.
Why did you decide to come to UVA?
There were so many reasons I decided to come to UVa. First, the University has invested heavily in neuroscience and biomedical research in the recent years. I felt this would be an exciting time to ride the wave of growth to enhance my research directions. Second, the research environment at UVa is incredibly collegial and collaborative. I am excited to interface and learn from other researchers here at UVa to tackle our research projects from multiple and interdisciplinary angles. Last, I am a Double Hoo, having received both my bachelor’s and my doctorate here at UVa – coming back to UVa and Charlottesville was a no-brainer!
What's the best part about your job?
The best part of my job is that I get to tackle human health problems that I find important. To achieve that goal, I get to think creatively to design experiments to teach us something new and I get to mentor a team to execute those experiments. There is a lot of freedom and flexibility in this job where I learn something new every day.
What led you to a career in neuroscience?
I was fortunate enough to work in a lab as an undergraduate where I had so much fun performing experiments, tinkering in the lab, and being part of the scientific community. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a PhD to learn how to direct my own research directions and a career in science. I am struck by the difficulties children with neurodevelopmental disorders face, and I wanted my research efforts to go towards helping these children. This inspired me to pursue a research program in neuroscience!
What advice do you have for neuroscience trainees?
Take in as much knowledge as you can – read broadly and attend seminars, even if they do not seem directly relevant to your work. Learning approaches or perspectives from other fields can provide inspiration for innovation in neuroscience research.
What's something new that you've learned recently (at work or outside of work)?
Despite having been at UVa for 10 years while in undergraduate and graduate school, I am still learning many new routes to get around the Medical Center!
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Jacksonville, Florida but spend my formative years in Ashburn, Virginia, which is about two hours north of Charlottesville.
What's your favorite way to spend a day off?
A perfect day off would involve going to a UVa sporting event and follow that up with a trip to a brewery or winery in the mountains! I also enjoy visiting the many orchards in the area to pick fresh fruit.
What is a surefire way to make you laugh?
I always laugh at a good sports-related blooper!