Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
I am interested in the various mechanisms involved in proper neural circuit development. Specifically, I am interested in uncovering the effects of altered critical period timing on the developing motor circuit. To alter critical period timing, I manipulate gene expression in neurons and astrocytes, and examine the effects of those manipulations on the larval motor circuit. I examine changes to the connectivity, stability, and function of the circuit to assess the effects of knocking down or overexpressing critical period associated genes.