Research
Our goal is to understand how experience alters the brain, and how those changes drive future behaviors. We approach this broad topic at diverse levels of analysis that integrate molecular, genetic, and epigenetic tools with techniques that probe the function of single neurons and entire neuronal circuits. Our current research falls into the specific categories outlined below.
Reward system architecture
What is the basic molecular & cellular architecture of brain reward circuits?
Neurodevelopment
What are the molecular events that orchestrate normal development of brain reward systems?
Drug-induced plasticity
How do drugs of abuse alter transcriptional and epigenetic programs? What are the enduring consequences of drug experience?
Therapeutics
How can we use our understanding of drug effects to decrease drug intake and prevent relapse?