My research is focused on understanding the role of acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) proteins in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. I have generated transgenic models that overexpress ASIC subunits, and am using molecular and behavioral assays to determine the effects of overexpressing these channels on sensory and cognitive functions.

Living in Iowa City

Neuroscience at Iowa is a wonderfully diverse and collaborative environment that has given me the opportunity to learn many new techniques and interact with numerous investigators. We have experts from so many different fields, which facilitates choosing and executing the best methods for your projects. There exists a terrific blend of molecular/cellular and cognitive/behavioral work here at Iowa, as well as the opportunity to pursue research that ranges from basic to translational. The students, especially, are an interactive and inclusive group, both academically and socially. Iowa City is a great place to live for graduate students: it is extremely affordable, there are plenty of things to do (art, restaurants, recreation), and you don’t have the hassles of some larger cities (e.g. traffic and high cost of living).