Department of PsychologySchool of Psychology and Family Counseling

During my five years at the University of Washington I designed several projects ranging from the effects of cocaine exposure on delayed rewards to understanding the role of the lateral habenula when behavioral choices rely on understanding complex internal and external cues. These projects were carried out in conjunction with a team of undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom have continued to pursue careers in research after leaving the lab. To pursue this research, I developed a closed-loop electrophysiology system, implemented optogenetic techniques, and developed proficiency in several computer languages including Python, LabVIEW, Arduino, and MatLab.Funding for this work has been provided by the National Institute of Drug Abuse grant T32DA007278 and NIMH 5R21MH109796.

During the winter quarter I taught Behavioral Neuroscience and Brain and Behavior Exploration to Psychology major juniors and seniors. I also taught Behavioral Neuroscience during the spring quarter.

During this brief opportunity between graduate school and starting my post doc, I worked with James McCutcheon to implement a new rodent surgery in his laboratory in order to test gastric signaling effects on the brain reward system.

During my time at UIC I developed a novel behavioral task for use in rodent models to examine brain areas involved when cues can be used to rapidly switch behaviors. This critical ability is often impaired in neuro-psychiatric disorders. Since is development and demonstration through both presentations at scientific conferences and through peer reviewed publication, several groups have used or modified this task to address questions beyond the original ones I posed. These and other studies led to a productive experience with six peer reviewed publications during graduate school.I was also fortunate to supervise three outstanding undergraduate students while in graduate school. Each was able to present their work at regional and international conferences with the possibility of peer reviewed publications still to come. Two of these students have gone on in academic research and one has entered medical school.

Worked as part of a team to build beautiful custom homes as well as commercial spaces.

Worked with breeding scientists to maintain, select and harvest novel turf grass strains for commercial development.