Research
Animal Models
We aim to develop translationally relevant operant models of addiction and social behavior in rodents. Our ultimate goal is to make strides toward solving the complex psychosocial problem of drug addiction and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Cells & Circuits
We aim to uncover the neural underpinnings of complex behavior by interrogating cellular activity and circuit-level function using a combination of techniques including viral-based circuit mapping, in vivo electrophysiology, confocal microscopy, optogenetics, and chemogenetics.
Molecular Mechanisms
We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that play a critical role in complex learned behaviors by identifying, characterizing, and manipulating targets within signaling pathways of interest in a cell-type specific manner. To accomplish this, we will combine viral-mediated knockdown strategies, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry with behavioral assays.