Overview
We study how the brain generates volitional movement. We develop tools to map, manipulate, and analyze multi-regional circuits in the intact brain during behavior in the mouse. Our goal is to produce a holistic and circuit-based understanding of volitional movement that will provide a roadmap for treating movement disorders. More broadly, we use volitional movement as a model to understand how multi-regional circuits perform fundamental computations that support cognition.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of Neurobiology
·
2024 - Present
Neurobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
Brain-wide analysis reveals movement encoding structured across and within brain areas.
Journal Article Nat Neurosci · January 2026 Movement-related activity has been detected across much of the brain, including sensory and motor regions. However, much remains unknown regarding the distribution of movement-related activity across brain regions, and how this activity relates to neural c ... Full text Link to item CiteMotor Cortical Output Integrates Distorted Proprioceptive Feedback.
Preprint · November 13, 2025 Full text Link to item CiteA brainstem map of orofacial rhythms.
Journal Article bioRxiv · January 27, 2025 Rhythmic orofacial movements, such as eating, drinking, or vocalization, are controlled by distinct premotor oscillator networks in the brainstem. Orofacial movements must be coordinated with rhythmic breathing to avoid aspiration and because they share mu ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Neural control of rhythmic orofacial movements
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · 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 - 2029Opponent control of action selection in the cortico-basal-ganglia-colliculus loop
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2028View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Massachusetts Institute of Technology ·
2011
Ph.D.