Research Interest: Pharmacology

PHD PROGRAM
Genetics & Molecular Biology, Pharmacology

RESEARCH INTEREST
Biophysics, Cell Biology, Gene Therapy, Molecular Medicine, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Virology

My research is focuses on two general areas: 1) Molecular principles of auditory information processing, and 2) Gene Therapy approaches to treat neurological disorders. In regard to our auditory focus, we seek to understand how the molecular machinery in auditory brainstem synapses enables neuronal computations at some of the fastest speeds in the central nervous system to enable the ability to identify and interpret sound information received by the ears. In regard to our gene therapy approaches, we seek to develop novel viral vector technology to create novel therapeutic strategies to treat neuronal dysfunction and degeneration to improve the quality of life of individuals who suffer from neurological diseases. To address these research areas, I employ a multi-disciplinary strategy that encompasses, molecular biology, virology, viral vectors, biophysics, light microscopy, electron microscopy, electrophysiology, and transgenic mouse models.

Keywords: Gene therapy, synaptic transmission, Hearing, viral vectors, biophysics, ion channels, calcium signaling, neurodegeneration, molecular medicine, synaptic plasticity, molecular engineering, nanomedicine

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cell Signaling, Neurobiology, Neuropsychopharmacology, Pharmacology

“I am interested in elucidating neural mechanisms of newly-appointed therapeutics such as psychedelics or cannabinoids as well as understanding the mechanisms and function of synaptic plasticity in relation to these drugs. Research questions I am interested in include:

– “In what ways does the mechanism of neuroplasticity promoted by MDMA differ from that produced by other psychedelics (e.g.: psilocybin) and/or “non-therapeutic” drugs (e.g.: cocaine)?”

– “What are the long-term neural effects of regular psychedelic therapy (e.g. Ketamine infusions)?”

-“Do/how do minor cannabinoids and other phytochemicals such as terpenes interact with D-9-THC or each other at the neurological level to exert therapeutic effects?” “

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Drug Discovery, Neurobiology, Pharmacology

“I am extremely motivated to explore mechanisms of addiction and the neurobiology of polysubstance use. I aim to eventually develop novel pharmacological treatments for substance use disorders, with a particular interest in treating opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. My broader research interests lie not only within neuroscience but also in the areas of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Neurobiology, Pharmacology

“I am interested in parsing out the mesocorticolimbic and biobehavioral mechanisms contributing to the development of alcohol and substance use disorders. In addition, I would love to utilize preclinical models of these disorders to explore the intersectionality of AUD/SUD and other common neuropsychiatric comorbidities (e.g.: PTSD, anxiety, depression) on a system, circuit, and/or molecular level.”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Pharmacology, Structural Biology

“My primary research interest is in how protein quality control pathways such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system mediate misfolding and aggregation of proteins that lead to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. I also have a broad interest in various structural biology techniques.”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Drug Discovery, Neurobiology, Pharmacology

“I have a keen interest in studying the brain as a chemical system. Chemical interactions, drug discovery, delivery, and elucidating chemical pathways in the brain are all areas of research that pique my curiosity.”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Chemical Biology, Pharmacology, Translational Medicine

“Being a Biochemistry major, I have had various opportunities to explore different research techniques and areas where I have found great interest. Through industry internships, I found a fascination with high throughput screening, mass spectrometry, protein degraders, and general drug discovery. I currently work in a lab focused on mass spectrometry and the gut microbiome which has been an increasing interest of mine as well.”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Pharmacology

“Broadly, I am interested in defining neural circuits involved in substance use disorders. I am particularly curious about understanding how these circuits can change in response to prolonged drug use and how these changes may impact behavior and affective states. For instance, I seek to explore questions such as: “How can substance use disorders, and the neural adaptations they induce, impact an individual’s ability to respond to stress?””

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cancer Biology, Cell Signaling, Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, Pharmacology

“I am interested in studying different protein interactions or signaling pathways to see if they are potential drug targets. Also, I am interested in molecular mechanisms of disease!”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Behavior, Neurobiology, Pharmacology

“I am interested in studying the molecular mechanisms of addiction and addictive behaviors. Specifically, I an interested in studying how alterations in neural signaling pathways contribute to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), or opioid use disorder.”