Biography

My interest in neurobiology stems from my lifelong curiosity about animals and animal behavior. In 2008, I graduated from the University of Chicago with an A.B. in Biological Sciences (specialization in Neuroscience). When I'm not in lab, I'm volunteering at the Duke Lemur Center.

Research

In the Wightman lab, I study in vivo serotonin transmission in the basal ganglia using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Serotonin dynamics in the intact brain are remarkably dissimilar to what has been predicted based on characterizations of serotonin in slices, in vivo dopamine release, and models of neurotransmission. Characterizing the mechanisms that mediate these differences may lead to improved pharmacotherapies for depression and anxiety-related disorders.

Publications

Activities/Awards

I am the social coordinator and maintain the website for the Wightman Lab. I also participate in DNA Day and judge science fairs at elementary schools in the area.