Research Projects

We aim to unravel how adaptive flexibility integrates with the mechanisms that govern innate, hardwired behaviors. To achieve this, we study the sleep-wake cycles of Drosophila and other insects as models. Our current research focuses on two key areas: how pheromone-mediated social interactions regulate rest-activity rhythms, &  how hunger influences clock-output pathways and behavior. We use electrophysiology, mass spectrometry, molecular biology, neural circuit mapping, and automated behavioral analyses to study these mechanisms.

Central to our work is an exploration of neuromodulators that enable flexible circuit operations. Grounded in an ecological framework, we investigate behaviors in natural settings, applying our findings to develop innovative, pesticide-free strategies for biological pest control.