Research/Areas of Interest:
Our laboratory uses molecular, biochemical, electrophysiological, behavioral and genetic tools to ascertain the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the modulation of energy homeostasis and affective behavior. For this, we generate and study mice with central or site-specific deletion of the BDNF gene. Our efforts are focused on defining neural circuits in the brain modulated by BDNF to control appetite and affective states and the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of this neurotrophin.
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy, Tufts University, Medford, United States, 1997
- Bachelor of Arts, Boston University, Boston, United States, 1988