Vagus Nerve Stimulation
The vagus nerve innervates nearly the entire body and brain. Stimulation of this nerve is used to treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy but it is unclear exactly how this provides therapeutic benefit to some patients. Our research examines the effects of VNS on the brain by determining how stimulation alters arousal state and underlying brain processes in mice.
This research was conducted in the lab of
Dr. David McCormick at the University of Oregon.
Neuromodulation of Arousal State
This work is published here.
While awake, animals are constantly fluctuating between moments of relaxation and moments of high stress or activity. These transitions influence important cognitive and behavioral processes. Our research examines how cortical signaling via the neuromodulators acetylcholine and norepinephrine is altered during these arousal state transitions.
This research was conducted in the lab of
Dr. David McCormick at the University of Oregon.
Olfactory System Development
My dissertation is publicly available here.
My PhD work characterized the development of the anterior olfactory nucleus and the two white matter tracts within the olfactory system, the lateral olfactory tract and the anterior commissure. This investigation led to a side project in which I examined the effects of a demyelinating toxin in the olfactory system.
