Behavioral and Pharmacological Neuroscience at Indiana University
|
|
Behavioral and Pharmacological Neuroscience at Indiana University |
|
| Home | People | Former Members | Research | Publications | Links | FAQ |
1999-B.S. University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, IL
2003-M.S. University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, IL
Chancellor's Fellowship for Graduate Study in Neuroscience
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
To assess how basal ganglia structures and circuitry function, we use neurochemical (voltammetry) and electrophysiological (single-unit recording) techniques to measure neural activity and neurotransmitter function during behavior. My current projects focus on evaluating basal ganglia function in transgenic and knock-in mouse models of HD. Some of my current projects include: 1) evaluation of how glutamate transmission is modulated by ascorbate, a water-soluble vitamin to influence movement and neuronal activity in HD and wild type control mice; 2) behavioral characterization of the 140 CAG knock-in mouse model of HD; 3) evaluation of sex differences in basal ganglia function and the role of gonadal steroid hormones in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as HD.
I spend most of my time outside of the laboratory with my husband and my infant son (who is already analyzing the world like a brilliant scientist). We enjoy gardening, camping, hiking and kayaking. I am also involved in disability advocacy and awareness and enjoy presenting to schools and community groups to educate others about disability, dystonia and movement disorders and the benefits of service dogs.