The work in my lab is centered around using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model for understanding neural development, synaptic function, and neurological disease.  I chose to pursue both teaching and research at the College because I believe deeply in the liberal arts model that guides its educational philosophy.  I teach a variety of courses in the Biology Department including sections of First Year Seminar, Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience.  Currently, I co-direct the Program in Neuroscience which offers an interdisciplinary minor in neuroscience.