The specific research interests of the Sitaraman lab are as follows:
Innate and learned behaviors: Nervous system plasticity is best manifested at the level of behaviors. An important focus area in the lab is to develop and validate novel classical and operant learning paradigms. In addition to developing these paradigms, the lab has an active interest in studying innate behaviors such as sleep and arousal.
Genetic basis of behavior: A variety of neurogenetic techniques in the context of learning and sleep have identified neurotransmitter and neuropeptide modulators that underlie these behaviors. Beyond these modulatory signals, circuit level interpretation of behavior in Drosophila is severely lacking. As a first step in cracking the neuronal pathways underlying the sleep circuit, the lab is invested in identifying the individual neurons of the circuit. To this end Dr. Sitaraman has an active collaboration with Dr. Gerry Rubin at Janelia Research Campus/HHMI ( Janelia Visitor Project 2014-present) to develop strategies and test cell specific tools in the context of sleep regulation.
Cellular/ Circuit level dynamics of behavior: Cellular excitability and synaptic function in behavioral control networks of the fly can only be addressed with novel imaging and electrophysiological approaches. Using validated calcium imaging and novel voltage imaging approaches in Drosophila the Sitaraman lab hopes to identify the properties of synaptic connectivity and plasticity underlying innate and learned behaviors.
Research Coordination Networks in Education: In addition to the core research interests of the lab in neurophysiology and behavior, we are interested in bringing cutting edge research tools into the classroom. To this end we develop and implement course based research experience in upper division laboratory courses. One such effort the CUNEL is funded by NSF.
Our research efforts are generously funded and supported by: NIH, NSF, HHMI and CSUEB.
A more detailed description of grant funded Projects can be found here:
https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2042873&HistoricalAwards=false
https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2217333&HistoricalAwards=false
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/6qBzZ_roCUSPDiycEN_yLw/project-details/10579730