Our lab develops molecular and optical approaches to study the function and organization of individual neurons within the brain. Neural circuits can be described by their wiring (inputs/outputs), function (spiking activity), and molecular makeup (gene expression and protein localization). Each of these components is critical for enabling the brain to function as a regulator of behavior. While emerging technologies have allowed us to interrogate these components individually at great depth, a major challenge remains to bridge all three types of information on a cellular level. Using synthetic biology, two-photon microscopy, and animal behavior, we aim to deconstruct the building blocks of the neural circuits required to direct animal behavior. We are particularly interested in how long-range prefrontal cortex projection neurons form synapses with distinct cell-types in deep brain nuclei to govern motivated behaviors.

No longer accepting students at UC Davis.