Current Research and Scholarly Interests
We study the molecular events that give rise to the sensation of touch and temperature using C. elegans nematodes as a model system. To do this, we use a combination of quantitative behavioral analysis, genetics, in vivo electrophysiology, and heterologous expression of ion channels. We also collaborate with Pruitt’s group in Mechanical Engineering (http://microsystems.stanford.edu) to develop and fabricate novel devices for the study of sensory transduction.
Academic Appointments
Professor, Molecular & Cellular Physiology
Member, Bio-X
Member, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute
Administrative Appointments
Chair, Molecular and Cellular Physiology (2017 - Present)
Associate Chair, Molecular and Cellular Physiology (2010 - 2013)
Chair, Stanford Neuroscience Institute (SNI) Interdisciplinary Scholars Program (2014 - Present)
Deputy Director, Stanford Neuroscience Institute (2013 - 2017)
Honors & Awards
Landis Award for Outstanding Mentoring, National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH (2019)
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, Stanford University School of Medicine (2015)
Excellence in Graduate Teaching, Stanford University School of Medicine (2011, 2014)
MIchael and Kate Barany Award for Young Investiators, Biophysical Society (2014)
Klingenstein Fellow in Neuroscience, The Klingenstein Fund (2005-2008)
Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations
Reviewing Editor, eNeuro (2017 - Present)
Editorial Board Member, Institute of Physics/Biophysical Society eBooks (2016 - 2020)
Editorial Board Member, Section on Ion Channels & Transporters, Biophysical Journal (2013 - 2018)
Editorial Advisory Board, Journal of General Physiology (2011 - 2018)
Academic Editor, PloS Genetics (2009 - 2013)
Professional Education
Ph.D., The University of Chicago, Neurobiology (1995)
Sc.B., Brown University, Biochemistry (1986)