In Vertebrates:

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What are the molecular mechanisms that underlie the formation of neural circuits?

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How do adhesion proteins regulate synapse formation and circuit development

in oligodendrocytes and neurons in the forebrain?

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We study several developmental processes: 

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1. Proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neurons and glia

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2. Synapse formation & Function

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3. Myelination

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In Invertebrates:

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How has inhibitory interneuron diversity evolved independently in cephalopods?

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-Tagging and cataloging classes of inibitory cells in the cephalopod brain

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-Characterizing the electrophysiological, immunohistochemical, and circuit level properties of inhibitory neurons in the cepahalopd brain

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I will also do this in partnership with undergraduates through a CURE at SCU: Inhibitory Interneuron Diversity in the Cephalopod Brain.

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