Overview
We study neural circuits in the rodent cerebellum involved with motor timing, coordination, and learning. Our approaches include high-speed multiphoton imaging from cerebellar neurons in vivo during behavior, extracellular and intracellular electrophysiology in vivo as well as in acute brain slices, and anatomical techniques such as cell type-specific viral labeling to identify functional circuit pathways that connect the cerebellum with other brain regions.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of Neurobiology
·
2020 - Present
Neurobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
·
2013 - Present
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences,
University Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
A deep learning strategy to identify cell types across species from high-density extracellular recordings.
Journal Article Cell · April 17, 2025 High-density probes allow electrophysiological recordings from many neurons simultaneously across entire brain circuits but fail to reveal cell type. Here, we develop a strategy to identify cell types from extracellular recordings in awake animals and reve ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteDysregulation of zebrin-II cell subtypes in the cerebellum is a shared feature across polyglutamine ataxia mouse models and patients.
Journal Article Sci Transl Med · November 6, 2024 Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG-polyglutamine repeat expansion. Purkinje cells (PCs) are central to the pathology of ataxias, but their low abundance in the cerebellum underrepresents their trans ... Full text Link to item CiteCerebellar climbing fibers signal flexible, rapidly adapting reward predictions.
Journal Article bioRxiv · October 12, 2024 Classical models of cerebellar computation posit that climbing fibers (CFs) operate according to supervised learning rules, correcting movements by signaling the occurrence of motor errors. However, recent findings suggest that in some behaviors, CF activi ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Neurobiology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Cerebellar circuits for reward-based learning
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2022 - 2027Duke Preparing Research Scholars in Biomedical Sciences- Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Oregon Health and Science University ·
2005
Ph.D.