Overview
The long term goal of our laboratory is to understand at a cellular/molecular level how neuronal activity regulates the formation and maturation of synapses during brain development, and ultimately to use genetic model systems to understand how defects in this developmental process lead to cognitive dysfunction.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
George Barth Geller Distinguished Professor of Neurobiology
·
2025 - Present
Neurobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor of Neurobiology
·
2020 - Present
Neurobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
·
2008 - Present
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences,
University Institutes and Centers
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2015 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Genetic Mechanisms of Experience-Dependent Neuronal Plasticity.
Journal Article Annu Rev Genet · September 17, 2025 The brain has a remarkable ability to adapt its function in response to both environmental and internal cues. The cellular composition of the brain is largely static after birth; thus, persistent experience-dependent changes in brain function depend on alt ... Full text Link to item CiteEpigenetics and the timing of neuronal differentiation.
Journal Article Curr Opin Neurobiol · December 2024 Epigenetic regulation of the genome is required for cell-type differentiation during organismal development and is especially important to generate the panoply of specialized cell types that comprise the brain. Here, we review how progressive changes in th ... Full text Link to item CiteThe Perineuronal Net Protein Brevican Acts in Nucleus Accumbens Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons of Adult Mice to Regulate Excitatory Synaptic Inputs and Motivated Behaviors.
Journal Article Biol Psychiatry · November 1, 2024 BACKGROUND: Experience-dependent functional adaptation of nucleus accumbens (NAc) circuitry underlies the development and expression of reward-motivated behaviors. Parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) interneurons (PVINs) within ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Pharmacological Sciences Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · 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 - 2029Duke-NCCU Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Training Program in Child Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Conditions Program (DN-IPT)
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institute of Mental Health · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Harvard University ·
1998
Ph.D.
Harvard University ·
1998
M.D.
Cornell University ·
1989
B.A.