Neuroscience Graduate Student Research

My interests involve central nervous system pathways that regulate energy homeostasis, and how excessive caloric intake can alter normal physiology in the brain. Specifically, my research focuses on the hypothalamic ventromedial nuclei, an area of the brain critical to feeding behavior, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis.

I am interested in the cellular mechanisms of rapid glucocorticoid action on neuronal physiology and behavior. Currently, I am focusing on the role of organic cation transporter 3 in regulation of catecholaminergic neurotransmission. 

My research interest is neurodegenerative diseases.  I am taking a closer look at the mechanisms that lead to cell death in these diseases.  Currently, I am looking at mechanisms in mice with ALS.

My research investigates stress-induced relapse of cocaine-seeking behavior. The primary objective of my research is to explore the neurobiological basis of how the neuropeptide CRF is regulating both dopamine and stress-induced relapse following excessive use in cocaine addicts.

The goal of my research is to identify the neurobiological pathway responsible for stress-induced relapse in recovering cocaine addicts. Specifically, my research examines a beta adrenergic receptor-regulated pathway originating in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis that releases the neuropeptide CRF into the ventral tegmental area.

My Project is focusing on defining the molecular mechanisms and sites of action of alcohols on the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is one of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels. Most of my work is focusing on the role of residues in the NR2B subunit of NMDA receptor in the regulation of receptor ion channel gating and alcohol sensitivity.

My research interest is to define the molecular mechanisms and sites of action of alcohols on the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is one of the glutamate receptor-ion channels, plays essential roles in cognition, motor function, sensory processing, and learning, and is considered to be a primary target of alcohol action in the brain. Specifically, my work is focusing on specific sites and precise molecular mechanisms by which alcohols and related agents interact with NMDA receptors. 

Wheeler Lab

I am interested in the roles of the ventral pallidum as an output nucleus that receives signals from the mesocorticolimbic reward circuitry.  My current project applies electrophysiological techniques to examine the correlation between hedonic responses and changes in neuronal activity in this nucleus.

I am interested in motivated behavior, and disease states, like drug addiction, that impact healthy motivation. Specifically, my research focuses on the impact of stressful stimuli, and stimuli that elicit a negative affective state, on dopaminergic neurotransmission and relapse. 

First Year Graduate Students