Research in my laboratory focuses on the neural mechanisms that regulate ingestive behaviors such as food, water, and salt intake. These behaviors are critical for the maintenance of body fluid, cardiovascular, and energy homeostasis. Specific areas of interest include the neural circuits that contribute to these behaviors and the intracellular events that occur at various nodes within the circuits. At the present time, the two main areas of focus include: 1) testing for overlap in peptide systems that affect both feeding and drinking behaviors; and 2) determining the behavioral relevance of individual intracellular signaling pathways, especially as they relate to sensitization and desensitization.
