Current Positions

• Assistant Professor of Pediatrics - Neurology
• Director of Veteran Engagement for the VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment for Visual Loss

Graduate Program Affiliations

• Biomedical Science (Molecular Medicine)
• Neuroscience

Research Concentration

Migraine headache is one of the most debilitating disorders in the world and treatments are insufficient. My laboratory studies the neurocircuitry underlying migraine and post-traumatic headache. Our preclinical laboratory focuses heavily on the sensory abnormalities associated with migraine and post-traumatic headache, including photophobia, spontaneous pain and touch hypersensitivity. Our lab’s research uses functional MRI, optogenetic and DREADD approaches to better understand the circuits contributing to those sensory abnormalities. We recently identified the deep cerebellar nuclei as possible sensory integration centers underlying sensory abnormalities in migraine. We are a VA associated lab and part of the VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss with a special emphasis on Veteran related problems in headache. Post-traumatic headache is similar to migraine and affects about 50% of Veterans who saw combat in war zones. Our hope is to one day identify brain regions that can be manipulated in humans to treat headache. Our promotion of a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to tackle these important questions in headache medicine offers trainees room to grow and become wonderful independent scientists.

What impacts has your research had on veterans?
So far, our work suggests that a neuropeptide called CGRP may contribute to post-traumatic headache. If so, then a new class of CGRP-blocking drugs just approved by the FDA for migraine may also be very helpful for Veterans with post-traumatic headache. When our study is completed, we will also have identified anatomical targets for the development of new treatments and therapeutics in post-traumatic headache. Overall, it is our goal to help rehabilitate Veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic headache.

Why did you initially become involved in Research?
When I was an undergraduate at the University I joined the laboratory of Dr. Johannes Hell. As I spent more time in his lab, I became fascinated with how the brain communicates and how neurons work. It was not my plan at the time to do research but he encouraged me over the last two years of college to apply for graduate school and enter a PhD program. To this day, it was one of the best pieces of advice anyone has given me.

What motivates you?
I particularly love doing research that one day will help Veterans. I have many family members past and present that have served in the military. It is the least I can do to give back to those that protect our great nation. In addition, I really enjoy learning every day. That is the beauty of research. Nothing is the same from day to day.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job/research?
Some of the work I have been associated with here in the lab is already being used in the clinic as a treatment for migraine. The translational aspect of my work is what I find really rewarding. I love to discover basic science findings in my work, but the most rewarding aspect is if it gets translated to the clinic in some way. That is the ultimate reward.