Students

At Freie Universitaet Berlin, I am pursuing my Master’s in Biology. I have been focused on Neurobiology, especially Neurophysiology, as well as Bioinformatics and Computer Science. I’m fascinated by the workings of the nervous system as well as the promises of modern computer technology.

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 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 study human psychiatric conditions in mouse models, specifically schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders. My research focuses on dopamine dynamics in the prefrontal cortex and the broader cortico-striatal circuit. Using electrophysiology, neuroscience, and cellular biology techniques I measure how pharmaceutical agents affect the brain to better understand how to improve therapeutics for patients. 

Research interest - Regulation of synapse development, function, and plasticity

Development and function of neural circuits

I am broadly interested in a computational and circuit-level understanding of sensorimotor systems. Specifically, I am interested in how motor information interacts with sensory processing to drive perception and behavior.

I graduated from Yale College in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in cognitive science. There, I completed a senior project, advised by Brian Scholl, that investigated a relationship between eye movements and memory. I have also conducted psychology research with Daniel Richardson at University College London, and with Marcia Johnson at Yale. Beyond many interests within psychology, I enjoy music and dance -- and I have studied and performed traditional and contemporary West African dance.