Colenso Speer, University of Maryland (IMAGE) University of Maryland Caption The NIH awarded its Director's New Innovator Award to University of Maryland biologist Colenso Speer. Speer will receive $1.5 million to create tools and methods for studying how neural circuits form and how connections between neurons change at the molecular level in response to sensory experiences. Speer's research could lead to a major step forward in mapping the physical layout of the circuits and understanding the complex chemical signals in the brain. Credit Courtesy Colenso Speer Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.