My research focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie the brain’s ability to remodel neural circuits thus enabling learning and memory formation.

I am a Senior Lecturer within the Department of Physiology and lead Neuroplasticity in Memory and Addiction Group within the Translational Neuroscience Facility.   Over the course of my career, I have made key contributions to our understanding of how neurons integrate information and remodel their connections, and how these processes change with learning and aging.  Currently my research focuses on understanding the cellular processes involved in motivated behaviours such as reward learning.  The overarching aim is to identify and validate therapeutic targets for the treatment of aberrant motivated learning that underlies conditions such as addiction and obesity.  Ultimately, we’d like to find ways to modulate brain circuits to support abstinence and reduce to risk of relapse.