Exploring the development of neuronal circuits underlying emotion

How do childfood experineces affect adulthood? 

Our research explores how early life experiences shape the development of brain areas that process emotion. We are especially interested in how social factors between babies and their caregivers influence this development. Understanding how emotion-related brain circuits develop after birth- and how this development affects vulunerability to stress- is key to creating better support and treatment for people who have experienced childhood trauma and struggle with mental health challenges.

To study this, we use mouse models and a combination of circuit analysis methods. We examine genes, brain circuits, measure brain activity, and behavior. This integrated approach allows us to connect molecular and circuit-level changes to emotional and stress-related outcomes.