Javier Picañol

Visiting PhD Student

xpicanol@ub.edu

Javier (Javi) Picañol was born in Barcelona, Spain. He earned his MSc in Neuroscience from the University of Barcelona, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedicine under the supervision of Dr. David Soto. His doctoral studies are funded by a predoctoral fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Universities (FPU – University Teacher Training Program). His research focuses on hippocampal astrocytic AMPA receptors and the biophysical properties of GluA2-lacking AMPA receptors, using patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and complementary molecular approaches. In parallel, he has developed translational research in peripheral nerve stimulation, with a particular emphasis on percutaneous electrical stimulation. Javi also works as an external assistant professor at TecnoCampus (a center affiliated with Pompeu Fabra University), where he teaches Physiology and Pathophysiology in Health Science degrees. His scientific interests lie in the regulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors, their role in brain physiology, and their implications in nociception and pain. When not in the lab, Javi enjoys training, reading, and overthinking life over absurd amounts of coffee. He firmly believes that life starts with a double espresso.