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
Structural and functional evidence for ephaptic control of Purkinje cell spike timing by networks of molecular layer interneurons.
Journal Article bioRxiv · December 29, 2025 Axon collaterals of type 1 molecular layer interneurons (MLI1s) contribute to pinceaux that engulf the initial segments of Purkinje cell (PC) axons and generate extracellular signals that ephaptically inhibit PCs. Here we show that a remarkably large numbe ... Full text Link to item CiteReward-driven cerebellar climbing fiber activity influences both neural and behavioral learning.
Journal Article Curr Biol · September 22, 2025 The cerebellum plays a key role in motor coordination and learning. In contrast to classical supervised learning models, recent work has revealed that climbing fibers (CFs) can signal reward-predictive information in some behaviors. This raises the questio ... Full text Link to item CiteReward-driven cerebellar climbing fiber activity influences both neural and behavioral learning.
Journal Article bioRxiv · July 28, 2025 The cerebellum plays a key role in motor coordination and learning. In contrast with classical supervised learning models, recent work has revealed that CFs can signal reward-predictive information in some behaviors. This raises the question of whether CFs ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
The role of cell-type specific circuits for inhibition and disinhibition in cerebellar learning and behavior
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Neurobiology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2024 - 2029Cerebellar circuits for reward-based learning
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2022 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Oregon Health and Science University ·
2005
Ph.D.