SENSORY FUNCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
We want to understand how sensory systems function and develop. We use the binaural circuitry of the auditory system as our model because of its straightforward wiring and the biophysical specializations needed for computing the relative timing of sounds to the two ears with microsecond precision.
DENDRITIC INTEGRATION
A primary interest is in synaptic integration, the process by which excitatory and inhibitory synapses sum in the dendritic arbor and trigger patterns of action potentials in the axon. Our research focuses on how interactions between voltage- and neurotransmitter-gated ion channels and dendritic morphology influences this process.
AUDITORY NEURAL CIRCUITS
The lab pursues questions related to how neural circuits are defined and carry out the perception of sound. We seek to define functional neural circuits on the basis of their expression of molecular markers, physiological properties and pattern of inputs and projections. We investigate circuit function using viral-mediated targeting, as well as physiological and anatomical approaches in vitro and in vivo.