We conduct neuroscience research to understand how activity at individual neuronal connections leads to structural changes that allow us to learn. Although we can recall information over our entire lifespan, we do not yet know how this is physically encoded and how the fidelity of connections is maintained over time.
Our laboratory utilizes the mouse system to study how highly precise patterns of activity give rise to synaptic changes, and how these modifications affect micro-connectivity within larger neural circuits. A guiding principle is that neuronal structure and function are intimately linked, and we aim to uncover how this relationship allows our brains to learn and remember. Our goal is to understand the learning rules which are critical for normal brain function, as well as to determine how they may become disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, and with neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
We study at high resolution how activity modifies single neuronal inputs using cutting edge two-photon microscopy techniques (including glutamate uncaging and calcium imaging), electrophysiology, molecular and genetic approaches.
We are part of the rich research environment at the University of Washington, Seattle. Located at the medical center, we are part of the Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, in the School of Medicine.