Overview
We study the development and function of cortical circuits underlying motor control and cognitive processing. Our research program integrates multi-faceted approaches from genetic engineering to single-cell genomics, developmental neurobiology, imaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral analyses, and aims to link fundamental neuroscience to the understanding and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Duke School of Medicine Distinguished Professor in Neuroscience
·
2022 - Present
Neurobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor of Neurobiology
·
2021 - Present
Neurobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
·
2021 - Present
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
A cortical circuit for orchestrating oromanual food manipulation.
Journal Article Neuron · March 26, 2026 The seamless coordination of hand and mouth during feeding is a sophisticated motor skill characteristic of rodents and primates. While spinal and brainstem circuits mediate elemental forelimb and orofacial actions, whether dedicated neocortical circuits a ... Full text Link to item CiteDistinct neurogenic pathways shape the diversification and mosaic organization of cortical output channels.
Journal Article Neuron · March 25, 2026 The cerebral cortex broadcasts its output to subcortical regions through the projections of diverse extratelencephalic (ET) neurons derived from either direct (dNG-ETd) or indirect (iNG-ETi) neurogenesis, but the differential contributions of these neuroge ... Full text Link to item CiteCorticothalamic communication for action coordination in a skilled motor behavior.
Journal Article Nat Neurosci · March 2026 The coordination of forelimb and orofacial movements to compose an ethological reach-to-consume behavior likely involves neural communication across brain regions. Leveraging wide-field imaging and photoinhibition to survey across the cortex, we identified ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
RNA Programmable and Scalable Brain Cell Type Tools Across Vertebrates
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Mental Health · 2025 - 2030Discovering the cell type basis of the IT projection system and its dysregulation after perinatal HIE
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2024 - 2029Neurobiology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education
Brandeis University ·
1995
Ph.D.