Scientific Interests

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Since early on in my childhood, a strong interest instilled in me regarding the biology of consciousness and cognition. This interest has relentlessly driven me towards the disciplines that pursue the understanding of the human mind. Emotions, feelings, the process of making new memories or remembering old ones, decision making and how previous experiences and the current emotional state influence decisions to be made are some of the many factors that drive my curiosity about the functioning of the brain.

Dynamic neuronal connections and a plethora of fervently modified synapses sustain the ability of the brain to attain these cognitive functions. I originally approached this field of study by investigating the molecular pathways of synaptic formation and modulation. This work characterized the synaptogenic properties of the PI3K signaling pathway and the functional consequences of such activity in olfactory perception and locomotor control. I later moved onto addressing the synaptic mechanisms underlying learning and memory. This project investigated the phenomenon of local protein synthesis around synapses engaged in memory consolidation. This synaptic mechanism is critical in the marking of activated synapses and is intimately related to neurodegenerative processes. Currently, I am also characterizing the trafficking networks that ensure delivery of synaptic proteins to the correct axonal branches/synapses for proper memory formation.

The significance of this work resides in its vital importance for understanding the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders associated with memory disruption and dementias affecting other forms of cognition.