Brigitte Lavoie, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurological Sciences
Our lab explores the cellular mechanisms involved in motility dysfunction and inflammation observed in pathologies of the digestive system, as well as whether tryptophan bacteria can alter serotonin-related function in the GI tract and the brain.
Current Projects
Brigitte Lavoie, PhD
Bio
My research focuses on characterizing the cellular mechanisms involved in motility dysfunction and inflammation observed in pathologies of the digestive system. My studies examine the influence of gallbladder smooth muscle dysfunctions in gallstone disease as well as the role of serotonin signaling in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract functions in health and diseases. Through the years I acknowledged the value of combining animal models in basic research and the benefits of collaborating with physiologists, pharmacologists, molecular biologists and physicians to gain a detailed picture of complex systems. My interest in serotonin began in graduate school when I studied the organization of the projections of various tegmental nuclei including the serotonergic neurons of the raphe nuclei. Following my PhD in neuroscience, I explored the world of cell and molecular biology in the labs of Dr. Robert Singer and Dr. Steve Hyman who were at the forefront of their respective fields. In addition to learning new tools to study RNA and protein expression, I discovered the art of live cell imaging and image analysis. After my family relocated to Vermont, I joined the laboratory of Dr. Gary Mawe. My collaboration with Dr. Mawe evolved into a successful partnership between two investigators with complementary talents and skills.
My lab is currently examining the influence of gallbladder smooth muscle dysfunctions in gallstone disease one of the most common and expensive digestive diseases in the US. Using live cell imaging and microscopy we study gallbladder smooth muscle activity in a mouse model of gallstone disease.
We are also looking at the role of serotonin signaling in the gastrointestinal tract functions in health and diseases. Recent studies have highlighted a role for gut microbiota-derived metabolites far beyond the enteric mucosa and tryptophan and serotonin can be key players along this path as they are both involved in numerous functions in the GI tract and in the brain. In collaboration with Dr. Sayamwong Hammack, a behavioral expert at UVM, we began to investigate whether tryptophan bacteria can alter serotonin-related function in the GI tract and the brain.
Alma mater(s)
- 1989-1993 Université Laval, QC, Canada, Ph.D. (Neurobiology)
- 1987-1989 Université Laval, QC, Canada, Master of Science (Neurobiology)
- 1984-1987 Université Laval, QC, Canada, Bachelor of Science (Biology)
Awards & Achievements
- 2025 Nomination for the New Investigator Award for the Dean’s Celebration of Excellence in Research Awards Celebration
- 2010 Young Investigator Travel Award, Neurogastroenterology and Motility Joint International Meeting
- 2009 Best Basic Science Poster Award, Neurogastroenterology and Motility Joint International Meeting
- 2001-2003 NINDS Competitive Fellowship Award
- 1993-1996 Medical Research Council (MRC) of Canada Fellowship
- 1992 Awardee, Laval University Alumni Women Association and School of Medicine
- 1991-1993 Medical Research Council (MRC) of Canada Scholarship
- 1989-1991 FRSQ Scholarship
- 1989 FCAR Scholarship
Publications
People in the Lab
Staff
Madeleine Hughes
Lab technician/ Colony Manager
I graduated from UVM in the Fall of 2024 with a B.S. in Neuroscience with a minor in Pharmacology. As an undergraduate at UVM, I had the pleasure of working in Dr. Margaret Vizzard’s lab focusing on PACAP-mediated bladder inflammation.
Now, I work as the Lab Technician in the Lavoie Lab, managing our projects researching gallbladder smooth muscle dysmotility and inflammation, and our projects exploring the effects of probiotic treatments on the gut-brain axis. After learning in such interesting and collaborative labs, I don’t think I could leave the world of science even if I tried! I plan on pursuing a Ph.D program in Neuroscience in the coming years.
A city girl at heart from New Jersey, I spend my time outside the lab in downtown Burlington. I love walks on the waterfront and the farmer’s markets on weekends. You can find me bartending on Church Street in the evening!
Béatrice Girard, PhD,
Research Analyst
I hold a bachelor in Biochemistry with a minor in Microbiology and a Ph.D. in Molecular Endocrinology from the Universite d’ Aix-Marseille, France. As a post-doctoral fellow at UVM, I worked in the laboratories of Dr. May, Dr. Parsons, Dr. Vizzard, Dr. Zvara. I focus my molecular biology skills on the neuronal control of the urinary bladder in Dr. Vizzard’s laboratory and on gallbladder dysfunction in Dr. Lavoie’s laboratory.
Vermont is the best place I could have dreamt of for raising a family and enjoying the great outdoors. When I am not playing with my pipettes, you can find me on the lake (whether it is in a frozen or liquid state), hiking in the mountains (whenever the mosquitoes are finally dead), on my bicycle (anytime really), on skis (wherever it is free) or behind a book, a pair of needles or any crafting tools.
Graduate Students
Lillian Russo-Savage
PhD Candidate, Neuroscience Graduate Program
I graduated from Trinity College, Hartford with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Psychology in 2018. I worked on various projects during and after my undergraduate studies including researching the role of adenosine in repetitive behaviors associated with autism, the role of Kalirin in spatial memory retention in a model of Alzheimer's Disease, and the role of the Liver X Receptor in steatohepatitis.
I began my PhD with the Neuroscience Graduate Program at UVM in 2021 and joined the Mawe Lab in 2022. When the lab transitioned to the leadership of Dr. Brigitte Lavoie, I remained under her mentorship as well as the mentorship of Dr. Sayamwong Hammack in the Psychology Department. My work in this lab has followed two main questions: 1) How do Trp-producing bacteria in the gut affect the serotonin (5-HT) system locally, and 2) how do these bacteria affect the 5-HT system in the central nervous system as well as the downstream anxiety and depression behaviors associated with 5-HT signaling in different regions of the brain.
Outside of the lab I love to spend my time with friends and family (especially my perfect cat, Petzl), hiking in the mountains, reading or playing cozy games at home, or baking bread and pastries.
Harrison Morse
MSc Candidate in Pharmacology
I am a recent graduate from UVM with a B.Sc in Neuroscience, currently completing a M.Sc in Pharmacology. I started in the Lavoie Lab in 2024, where my research focuses on gallbladder smooth muscle dysfunction and inflammation in mouse models of gallbladder disease.
I’ve always been interested in the research of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinsons, and ALS, and want to pursue a career in potential drug development and treatment of these life-altering conditions.
Outside of the lab and studying, I’m passionate about music, and play guitar and bass. I enjoy running (especially on the waterfront where it's flat), traveling (pictured is me in Prague, Czech Republic!) and playing golf (I suck).
Undergraduate Students
Wyatt Turner
Undergraduate Researcher (Junior), Neuroscience/Plant Biology
I am an undergraduate researcher dual majoring in Neuroscience and Plant Biology. I’m particularly interested in the gut-brain axis and its interactions with behavior. Once I am finished with my undergraduate career, I plan on studying medicine either towards a MD or a PhD.
Outside of lab, I like to explore creative outlets, such as visual art (paints, pens, pastels) and I have been playing bass for over 14 years! I also briefly played the clarinet (dark times).
I also like to stay active; I love Nordic skiing, and I am on UVM’s rowing team.
Norah Price
Undergraduate Researcher (Senior), Biological Sciences/ Emergency Medical Services
Undergraduate researcher in the Lavoie Lab since 2023! My favorite part about lab is the animal handling procedures and learning from my labmates! I am currently a senior at UVM majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Emergency Medical Services. After graduation, I plan on continuing my education by attending medical school.
When I am not working on my senior thesis, observing the effects of gut microbiomes on mouse GI motility, I can be found working on UVM Rescue, in the Emergency Department at UVMMC, and leading the UVM Freeskiing Team.
In my free time I take full advantage of all that Vermont has to offer including (but not limited to): running, backcountry skiing, hiking, biking, and golfing!
Chloe Kalp
Undergraduate Researcher (Junior), Public Health/Biology
I have been an undergraduate researcher in the Lavoie Lab since 2024! I enjoy being able to learn about the brain and gut microbiome in a hands on way. I am currently a junior at UVM majoring in Public Health and minoring in biology. I love pediatrics and I plan on applying to medical school in the coming years!
Outside of the lab, I spend a lot of my time working as a Medical Assistant at the Community Health Centers of Burlington. I am also involved in researching post-natal health outcomes with the UVM Geography Dept. and the Vermont Child Health Improvement Plan.
In my free time I love spending time with animals, snowboarding with UVM Chicks on Sticks, and babysitting!
Priya Kitzmiller
Undergraduate Researcher (Sophomore), Biological Sciences
I am a sophomore at UVM studying Biological Sciences. My favorite classes right now are Chemistry and Chinese. In the future I would either like to pursue a career in medical research or dentistry.
This is my first year on the rowing team at UVM and I am a coxswain (I yell a lot and steer the boat). In the past I was a competitive nordic skier, runner, and pole vaulter.
In my free time I like to go to open mic comedy and spend time with friends. As a Vermont native I am immune to cold and enjoy spending time outside in any season.
Stella Lucia Misko
Undergraduate Researcher (Sophomore), Biological Sciences
In Memoriam
Gary Mawe, PhD
Professor of Neurological Sciences
On 17 February 2024, the field of enteric neuroscience lost a highly respected colleague, mentor and friend. Gary M. Mawe, PhD, Professor of Neurological Sciences at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, passed away peacefully after a long illness.
Gary was modern pioneer in the field of Neuro-gastroenterology and Motility with ground-breaking publications and concepts that will have had a lasting impact. In addition to being a distinguished scholar, he was an exceptional mentor and educator and was one of the most recognized and accomplished faculty at the University of Vermont, as well as its greatest ambassador. Although Gary was passionate about his research and his hobbies, he was most especially dedicated to his friends and his family. Therefore, he left an indelible mark in the hearts of everyone he touched, far beyond the neuro-gastroenterology community. Gary enriched our lives; his wisdom, humor, and friendship will be painfully missed by all.
The Journal of Physiology - In Memoriam
