Research Projects

Project one
Investigating neural networks mediating homeostatic vs. hedonic feeding using molecular and behavioral measures (free feeding, diet preference testing, conditioned place preference, and operant feeding tasks).

Project two
Investigating the motivational systems regulating voluntary exercise, hedonic-feeding, and drugs of abuse and how these rewarding events interact and influence each other in a sex-dependent manner. 

Project three
Investigating role of prenatal diet, prenatal stress, and maternal genotype on later development of social behaviors, anxiety, and other symptoms in the offspring related to the etiology of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Project four
Investigating role of the sigma-1 receptor in mediating the motivational properties of food and drugs.