Neuromodulation of inhibitory control and the effects of chronic stress
The ability to withhold a response is a core component of executive function, and it is compromised across a wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions. The prefrontal cortex relies on converging neuromodulatory input to support this function, and chronic stress readily degrades it. We use optical recording of neuromodulator dynamics, cell-type-and projection-specific manipulation, and rodent behavioral paradigms that require action suppression to ask how neuromodulatory signals in the prefrontal cortex index inhibitory control, and how chronic stress reorganizes those signals.
Noradrenergic modulation in Alzheimer's disease
The locus coeruleus is among the earliest sites of pathology in Alzheimer's disease, showing degeneration years before cognitive symptoms emerge. Using mouse models of amyloid and tau pathology together with chemogenetic control of the LC and behavioral testing, we examine how noradrenergic activity interacts with pathology over time, with the longer-term goal of evaluating neuromodulation as a therapeutic strategy.
Patterned stimulation to selectively activate targeted brain structures
Electrical stimulation of specific structures in the brain has been widely used in the clinical setting to treat various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. However, it has been shown that micro-stimulation evokes wide spread downstream neuronal activation, losing its specificity. We are developing finite-element-model-based stimulation strategies to shape downstream neural activity, with the goal being to increase the specificity of micro-stimulation.
Neural coding of tactile signals
We are interested in the neural basis of the sense of touch, especially how information related to touch is encoded in various brain structures within the somatosensory pathway of the brain.