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.
