Students

My background is in molecular biology and genetics, but I have always looked at the neurobiology field with great interest. Duke gave me the opportunity to join my background and my interest, expanding my knowledge in neurobiology. I am interested in understanding the molecular pathways of neurons during the brain development and discovering how these mechanisms have changed through evolution.

The ability to combine a series of actions into an ordered sequence is essential for executing complex behaviors and this process is impaired by Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. The mechanisms underlying sequence production are unknown however, striatal projecting intratelencephalic (IT) and pyramidal tract (PT) pathways from the motor cortex may regulate sequence learning and performance. My research employs in-vivo calcium imaging, closed-loop optogenetics, and machine-learning based behavioral analysis to examine these cell populations during sequence production.

Mapping anxiolytic effect of Diazepam (a benzodiazepine) by cell-type within the basolateral amygdala - using DART (drugs acutely restricted by tethering). Modeling Diazepam's effects on neural network activity. Deep learning based analysis of mouse anxiety-like behavior.

I am interested in the communication between gut and brain. In the Bohórquez laboratory, I have been studying neuropod cells, neuroepithelial cells in the gut, that synapse with vagal neurons to rapidly convey properties of dietary amino acids from to the brain.

I am using DART (drugs acutely restricted by tethering) to antagonize and potentiate specific postsynaptic receptors on midbrain dopamine neurons in vivo. These manipulations will enable interrogation of how specific synaptic inputs onto VTA dopamine neurons modulate the phasic burst and pause dynamics of these cells, as well as their roles in adaptive reward learning and extinction.

I study the circuit mechanism of cerebellar learning in mice. In particular, I am interested in testing how different behavioral states influence cerebellar processing, and how associative learning is achieved in the cerebellar cortex.

I am a graduate student in the Glickfeld lab. Using a variety of in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological techniques, I am identifying mechanisms underlying adaptation at time scales relevant for naturalistic visual input. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

I am interested in understanding the mechanism in vocal learning.

I am generally interested in sensorimotor systems. I am currently using smooth pursuit eye movements to understand the modulation of motor feedback in driving eye movement behavior. I am looking specifically at circuits in area MT and the cerebellum. 

I study how neural activity-dependent gene regulation translates to changes in circuit function and behavior, mostly in the context of addiction. My main project focuses on the role of fast-spiking interneurons of the Nucleus Accumbens in the development of addictive behaviors. I also use CRISPR-based epigenome editing tools to study how enhancers affect activity-dependent gene expression.

I am currently interested in studying the mechanisms that underlie nervous system development, specifically the development of glia. My project is focused on determining the processes involved in the developmental death of retinal astrocytes.