Andrés Barría

Dr. Barría is a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Research and Graduate Education at the School of Medicine, University of Washington. He obtained his professional title of Biochemist (equivalent to a Master’s degree) and later earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Chile. As part of an agreement with his program, he came to the U.S. to complete his Ph.D. thesis at the Vollum Institute in Oregon and subsequently became a postdoctoral fellow at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. In 2005, he accepted a position at the University of Washington. Dr. Barría’s laboratory focuses on the function and regulation of excitatory synaptic transmission and neuromodulation of intrinsic neuronal properties. He also teaches in courses such as Biophysics of Nerve, Muscle, and Synapse; Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Plasticity; and Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology. Dr. Barría is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields, actively working to dismantle systemic racism entrenched in academia. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of Chile, representing Chile to state authorities, aiding Chilean nationals in the state, and fostering cultural and economic exchanges between Chile and Washington.