Our research aims to identify the distinct neural circuits and signaling mechanisms that regulate excessive drug use and to determine how plasticity within these systems contributes to comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions.

We are especially interested in how disrupted serotonin (5-HT) signaling can drive aggression and contribute to the development of anxiety and depression-like behavior.

Learn more about our ongoing projects here.

We integrate behavioral models with electrophysiological, biochemical, and genetic approaches to identify the molecular and cellular adaptations that occur in the brain following repeated exposure to alcohol and other drugs of abuse.

Learn more about our techniques here.

Our goal is to identify the conserved neural circuits & signals that contribute to substance use disorder and psychiatric disease in order to develop improved treatment strategies for these conditions.