Our lab is interested in the cellular and molecular mechanisms that maintain neuronal homeostasis and how disruptions in these pathways contribute to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. 

The focus of our current research investigates how the brain maintains dopamine homeostasis in order to identify novel pathways that lead to neurological disease! 

We use Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism since dopamine is present in these fruit flies and regulates similar functions to those in mammals, including circadian rhythms, aggression, attention, learning, and reward! They are provide powerful genetic tools and relative ease of use!

Our lab combines genetic, molecular, behavioral, statistical computing, and imaging techniques to explore modulators of dopamine homeostasis and model neurological disorders in the fruit fly.