I am Principal Investigator of Saunders Lab, a team of ~10 research scientists that includes staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates. We employ cutting-edge neuroscience research methods to uncover novel biological mechanisms of learning. I am also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Medical Discovery Team on Addiction.

Leveraging optogenetic methods to better understand how the brain controls drug taking and relapse in animal modelsTechniques: In vivo optogenetics, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy

Courses:“Animal Behavior” (Fall term 2008, Fall term 2009)Responsible for teaching 3 weekly 1-hour discussion sections comprised of ~70 undergraduates, leading review sessions, grading, and private tutoring“Drugs of Abuse, Brain, & Behavior” (Winter term 2010)Guest lecturer; responsible for exam preparation, leading review sessions, grading, and private tutoring“Introduction to Biopsychology” (Fall term 2010)Responsible for teaching 3 weekly 1-hour discussion… Show more Courses:“Animal Behavior” (Fall term 2008, Fall term 2009)Responsible for teaching 3 weekly 1-hour discussion sections comprised of ~70 undergraduates, leading review sessions, grading, and private tutoring“Drugs of Abuse, Brain, & Behavior” (Winter term 2010)Guest lecturer; responsible for exam preparation, leading review sessions, grading, and private tutoring“Introduction to Biopsychology” (Fall term 2010)Responsible for teaching 3 weekly 1-hour discussion sections comprised of ~70 undergraduates, leading laboratory demonstrations, review sessions, grading, and private tutoring Show less