Biography
I graduated from Penn State University in 2014 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor Psychology. As an undergraduate, I participated in a PIRE fellowship from the National Science Foundation and conducted human neuroimaging research in Granada, Spain. I started BBSP in the fall after my graduation and joined the Neurobiology Curriculum in 2015. Outside of lab I enjoy running, biking, and trying out the many brunch places in Carrboro and Chapel Hill.
Research
I joined the lab of Dr. Thomas Kash where we study the role of the extended amygdala in addiction and anxiety disorders. Specifically, I am interested in the role of the endogenous opioid system in regulating stress response and alcohol withdrawal. To do this I use chemogenetics, patch clamp electrophysiology, and behavioral assays in mouse models. By better understanding the neurobiology of this circuit, we will be able to design more effective treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Publications
Award
Neurobiology Predoctoral Training Grant, 2014-2016
Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies Science Outreach, 2014-2015
