Description of Research Expertise

Research Interests:
Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal circuit formation, function, and plasticity, including, a) how neuronal circuits are wired through synaptic connections between neurons, b) how synaptic connections within circuits are modified, and c) how these modifications impact behavior. Also to understand the circuit associated functions of genes associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism and schizophrenia.

Research Techniques:
Using C. elegans as a primary model system for testing and comparing the impact of genes on neurons, synapses, circuits, and behavior. C. elegans serves as a powerful model for gene discovery, variant testing, and screening for modifiers (both genetic and small molecule). We have defined the role of single isoforms of genes in single neurons to regulate behavioral changes, a level of resolution not possible in any other organism. Ongoing work is testing for conservation of some of our most important findings across evolution in other Caenorhabditis species, Drosophila, mice, and human iPSCs.

Key words:
Genetics, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, Neurobiology of Disease, Developmental Neuroscience, schizophrenia, autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, Neurobiology of stress, Synaptic plasticity, synaptogenesis and circuit formation, circuit plasticity