Teaching
- BIOL 708, NACS 728J, BSCI 339D: Neurobiology of Chemosensory Systems
- BSCI 446: Neural Systems
- BSCI 279: Seminar in Physiology
Graduate Program Affiliations
- BISI-Physiological Systems (PSYS)
- Neuroscience & Cognitive Science (NACS)
Research Interests
Our long-term research goal is to understand how neuromodulatory transmitters regulate the function of brain circuits and influence sensory processing. Specifically, we use olfaction as a model system to learn how neuromodulators such as acetylcholine and noradrenaline, and basal forebrain GABAergic neurons influence sensory processing. To interrogate the role of neuromodulation in olfactory circuits we use a multidisciplinary approach that includes, electrophysiology, imaging, and the targeted expression of optogenetic and chemogenetics probes. One of our goals is to examine how these neuromodulatory systems influence odor-guided behaviors in freely-behaving animals. In humans, olfactory dysfunction is a characteristic early symptom in aging and several neurodegenerative disorders, therefore, our studies aim to understand pathological changes in olfactory circuits that occur in aging and neurodegeneration. In addition, our research interest expand to other areas, through collaborative work we are working on the development of novel technologies to study neuronal function and cell-based sensors, and to understand of mechanisms underlying the hypothalamic control of food consumption.
Education
- Ph.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1997
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Columbia University, 1997-2001
- Associate Research Scientist, Columbia University, 2001-2006
