We are interested in how the cellular foundations of our brain, neurons, communicate with each other at synaptic junctions. We study the processes by which neurotransmitters are converted into electrical signals via ligand-gated ion channels using techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and electrophysiology. Our findings uncover critical new foundations into the molecular machines that enable our brains to tick, which we leverage for invigorating therapeutic design as well as to understand neurological disorders, psychiatric diseases, and aging.

We are also interested in understanding how to better deliver drugs to the brain. But first, we are uncovering how tissue systems like the blood brain barrier are formed so we can understand the mechanics by which they function. This will enable us to leverage new avenues for drug delivery (e.g., the paracellular pathway via tight junctions).