| EMAIL: |
| PERSONAL WEBSITE: |
| PUBLICATIONS: |
The ultimate goal of our research is to understand how adaptive changes in brain function occur and how this can lead to the development of psychiatric disorders. We employ cutting-edge technologies to understand the complex interactions of multiple neural systems that allow us to adapt to our environment and regulate motivated behavior.
Currently, our focus is on the role of specific neural circuits in reward processing and feeding behavior. Abundant epidemiological evidence supports the idea that the availability of calorically-dense, highly palatable foods is a leading cause promoting our nations ongoing obesity epidemic. Difficulty abstaining from unhealthy foods and relapse to poor eating habits are prominent behaviors associated with the development of obesity and suggests the ability to self-regulate may be altered in vulnerable populations. While the neural circuits regulating feeding in response to hunger and satiety are well-studied, less is understood regarding intake in the absence of metabolic need; termed hedonic feeding.
| UNC AFFILIATIONS: |
CLINICAL/RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Addiction/Substance Use Disorder, Behavior, Neurobiology, Physiology |