MY RESEARCH INTERESTS AND BACKGROUND
I am a translational neuroscientist focused on turning circuit neuroscience discoveries into therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders. My expertise spans synaptic physiology, in-vivo circuit manipulation, and behavioral modeling, with a track record of innovative original research and building preclinical pipelines.
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I trained at Colby (undergrad), NIDA (postbac), Brown (PhD in Neuroscience), Gladstone Institutes (postdoc) and Stanford (current). In my PhD, I uncovered novel mechanisms linking pain and reward circuits under opioid influence. I invented a novel molecular tool for activity-dependent & cell-type specific control of synapses. Read about the team that brought this tool to life.
As a Research Scientist at Stanford, I lead projects mapping the brain circuits driving negative reinforcement, identifying biomarkers, and developing targeted interventions that inform treatment strategies.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Arts
COLBY COLLEGE
Postbaccalaureate Intramural Trainee
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
Doctor of Philosophy
BROWN UNIVERSITY
2014 - 2019
Postdoctoral Scholar
GLADSTONE INSTITUTES & UCSF
2019 - 2022*
Postdoctoral Scholar >
Research Scientist
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Graduated cum laude in Psychology w/Neuroscience concentration
Worked in labs of Drs. Steven Harrison, Tariq Ahmad, Melissa Glenn
Behavioral Neuroscience Branch
Mentor: Yavin Shaham, PhD
Department of Neuroscience Link to my dissertation
Mentor: Julie Kauer, PhD
Committee: Drs. Barry Connors, Christopher Moore, Christopher McBain
Department of Neurological Disease
Mentor: Anatol Kreitzer, PhD
*Kreitzer Lab closed August 2022
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor: Robert Malenka, MD PhD
Funding: Foundation for OCD Research
2022 - present
GRANTS & AWARDS
1. Panel Travel Award, Winter Conference on Brain Research; 2025
2. Philadelphia SPINE fellow (Symposium for Postdoctoral Initiatives in Neuroscience Excellence); 2024
3. Trailblazing Trainee Award, Stanford University Department of Psychiatry; 2024
4. Berkelhammer Award for Excellence in Neuroscience Gladstone Institutes; 2020
5. F31 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award; 2017-2019
6. B C of Sigma Xi Award for excellence in scientific progress and mentorship; 2018
7. Brown U. Chapter of the Society of Sigma Xi, Full Member; 2018
8. Poster Travel Award, Winter Conference on Brain Research; 2018
9. Best graduate student poster, Winter Conference on Brain Research; 2018
10. Neuroscience Advanced Predoctoral Institutional Training Grant (T32); 2016-2017
11. Interdisciplinary Predoctoral Neuroscience Training Grant (T32); 2015-2016
12. Sidney Frank Fellowship; Division of Biology & Medicine at Brown University; 2014-2015
13. Honorable mention, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program; 2015
14. Honorable mention, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program; 2014
15. William D. Adams Presidential Scholar (Colby College); 2008-2012
16. Outstanding poster award, NIH Post-Baccalaureate Poster Day; 2013
17. Outstanding poster award, NIDA Poster and Mentoring Awards Day; 2013
18. All-Academic Team, New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC): 2010, 2011, 2012
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
BRAIN SLICE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
PRECLINICAL RESEARCH & PHARMACOLOGY
COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS & SIGNAL PROCESSING
DRUG SELF-ADMINISTRATION
IN RODENTS
OPTOGENETICS,
CHEMOGENETICS
IN VIVO FIBER PHOTOMETRY
ANATOMY
& PHYSIOLOGY
WHO AM I?
Being a scientist requires more than technical prowess, novel ideas, and attention to detail.
I strive to always be a good colleague, mentor, and member of the community.
A major motivating factor in my career has been to improve equity and access to scientific careers for underrepresented groups. I consider it both my duty and privilege as a scientist to make STEM more inclusive for everyone and will continue to improve inclusivity inside and outside of the scientific community.
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Dissemination of research findings is critical for scientific progress as well as building trust with the wider community. I pride myself on my ability to communicate science to anyone, tailoring the delivery such that it will be understood and valued by each audience.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
If you know me personally, you're would not be surprised that I love to juggle at least a few projects at once. Maybe it's that science is full of failures and it's nice to always have something on the back-burner, or maybe I just can't limit myself to one scientific question. Either way, I have a whole toolbox of tricks for managing my time, keeping others on track, and ensuring we move forward efficiently.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION / OUTREACH
MENTORING
I have mentored others at every stage of my scientific journey. Early on, this took the form of teaching technical skills, like rodent surgery. Now, I enjoy leading research teams and mentoring junior scientists in their own career journeys.
Want to work with me?
Consulting Services
I do freelance consulting at the intersection of neuroscience, therapeutics, and endurance sports.
Areas of expertise include:
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Translational neuroscience strategy (OCD, addiction, brain circuits)
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Preclinical model design and interpretation of neuropsychiatric studies
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Distance running, endurance sports, and mental health & wellness
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Scientific communication to broad audiences
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To discuss potential collaborations, please reach out at the link below.
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