I am currently studying the subtle behavioral features, the underlying neural circuits, and the transcriptional changes that contribute to the development of innate alcohol preference and avoidance in Drosophila melanogaster. I am currently using operant behavior, thermogenetic, optogenetic and 2-photon calcium imaging approaches to conduct my research that was funded through a F32 Postdoctoral NRSA fellowship. My future directions include developing long-term stress paradigms to characterize how stress influences the circuits basis of alcohol preference and avoidance.
Outside of my research, I am dedicated to supporting and mentoring underrepresented trainees in achieving their goals in academia.
