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.

In my lab, I use cell cultures to study the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis. My focus is: (1) the role of environmental toxins (such as BMAA) in cell death; (2) growth factors' effect on oxidative stress and cell death in different cell populations (neuronal enriched, glial and microglial cultures), by focusing on their effects on system xc-. 

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.

My research focuses on the relationship between stress and the reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior, with particular focus on the organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3). We hypothesize that inhibition of OCT3-mediated dopamine clearance in the Nucleus Accumbens represents a mechanism by which stress-related increases in corticosterone can increase drug-seeking behavior. 

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.