My research focuses on neuroscience and molecular biology. I study how transcription factors control expression of genes important for the development of brain cells. In particular I focus on dopamine neurons, the cells that die in patients affected by Parkinson's disease. My aim is to understand how normal cells develop and which genes and regulators are essential for the life of dopamine cells in order to better understand what happens during the disease state. I am also interested in other neurodegenerative disorders, in particular dementia. I am currently investigating the biology of concussions and I am interested in designing educational tools to inform the community about manifestation, short-term and long-term consequences of mild traumatic brain injury.
