Our research is centered around unraveling the processes underlying brain development and maturation during early postnatal stages. We adopt an innovative approach that connects gene expression profiles, physiology, connectivity, function, and behavior to provide a comprehensive understanding of the refinement of neural circuits. Through interdisciplinary methodologies, we dive into the intricacies of thalamo-cortical networks in both healthy states and disease conditions. We employ several techniques including in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology, molecular biology, histology, and behavioral assays to study how the brain takes shape during the first stages of life. 

Sensory-motor integration is the process by which the sensory information from the environment is integrated with motor information to produce an appropriate behavioral response. This process occurs through the coordination of sensory inputs and motor outputs in the nervous system. Studying sensory-motor integration is crucial as it elucidates how organisms interact with their environment, enabling adaptive behavioral responses. Understanding this process unveils the intricate coordination between sensory inputs and motor outputs, essential for survival and daily activities. 

The thalamus is a key brain region involved in the processing and relay of sensory information to other parts of the brain. In order to function properly, the thalamus must be able to selectively filter and inhibit certain types of sensory inputs while allowing others to pass through. Dysfunction in thalamic processing can lead to a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including sensory processing disorders, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. By understanding the normal functioning of the thalamus, we can better comprehend the underlying causes of these disorders and develop more effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.