Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
My research focuses on understanding how novel fast-acting psychopharmacological agents can be used to treat mood disorders. These drugs have become known as psychoplastogens – drugs such as ketamine and psychedelics that rapidly stimulate the neurotrophic cascade leading to synaptogenesis and plasticity. The question that drives my research is how does rapid induction of neuroplasticity alters brain networks, cognition, and behavior. I am currently involved in clinical neuroimaging studies with ketamine, psilocybin and other drugs. This exciting work is the convergence of my interests in systems neuroscience, psychopharmacology, synaptic plasticity, and consciousness.