I have a long-standing interest in understanding how neural circuits control movements such as walking and breathing. My lab is currently studying how neural circuits that control breathing are altered by disease and injury and how we might be able to improve breathing and prevent ventilator dependence using novel strategies that target these circuits.

My current research interests include investigating how different types of propriospinal neurons play different roles in the control of breathing. I investigate this using anatomical techniques to assess connectivity between neurons, transgenic mice and viral tools to label or manipulate propriospinal neurons, and whole animal behavior/physiology to assess motor functions, including breathing.

I am a graduate student in the Systems Biology and Physiology Graduate Program. I use single cell RNA sequencing and bioinformatics tools to study the diversity of propriospinal neurons and investigate how different neurons might respond differently to injury. These results will be used to develop novel therapeutic strategies to promote recovery from injury.

I am a MD/PhD student in the Neuroscience Graduate and Medical Scientist Training Programs. I am currently investigating novel methods to target propriospinal neurons using electrical stimulation and/or pharmacology with the goal of improving breathing following spinal cord injury.

I am a student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program. I investigate how epilepsy alters neurons and circuits in the forebrain important for the control of breathing. My goal is to identify brain regions and signaling pathways that contribute to sudden death in epilepsy (SUDEP) so that it is possible to identify individuals at risk for SUDEP and ultimately treat them.