My research focus is on cortical-subcortical circuits and neural activity in pain processing, with particular focus on the effect of the gain modulatory neurotransmitter cholecystokinin. In my doctoral work I showed the importance of CCK expressing ACC-PAG layer V neurons in pain enhancement due to expectations of pain (nocebo hyperalgesia). My postdoctoral work will explore the role of ACC network activity in chronic pain, differing circuit connectivity to other pain nuclei, and the role of ACC-PAG CCK+ activity in chronic pain which will uncover potential therapeutic properties of CCK antagonists toward chronic pain relief.
Work
University of Pennsylvania
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Postdoc under Dr. Gregory Corder
, , US
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Summary
University of Toronto
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PhD student under Dr. Loren Martin
, , Canada
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Summary
Stanford University
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Life Science Research Professional under Dr. Stan Rockson
, , US
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Summary
Stanford University
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Life Science Research Professional under Dr. Xiaoke Chen
, , US
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Summary
Education
University of Toronto
, , Canada
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PhD
University of Toronto
, , Canada
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Master of Arts
University of Georgia Athens
, , United States of America
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1 year in PhD Program
University of Texas at Austin
, , United States of America
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MA STEM Education
University of Texas at Austin
, , United States of America
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BS Biology
Publications
Cholecystokinin input from the anterior cingulate cortex to the lateral periaqueductal gray mediates nocebo pain behavior in mice
preprint
Cholecystokinin Inputs into the Lateral Periaqueductal Gray Drive Socially Enhanced Pain in Mice
TSpace University of Toronto
dissertation-thesis
Altered nociceptive behavior and emotional contagion of pain in mouse models of autism
Genes, Brain and Behavior
journal-article
Altered nociceptive behavior and emotional contagion of pain in mouse models of autism
Genes, Brain and Behavior
journal-article
The Role of Cholecystokinin Expressing Neurons in Socially Enhanced Pain
The Journal of Pain
journal-article
Proglumide blocks pain enhanced by expressions from social partners and neural activity in the periaqueductal grey
IASP 2022 World Congress on Pain
conference-poster
Observation of social companions in pain modulates the pain experience in mice
International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) World Congress on Pain 2021
conference-poster
Neural basis of empathy for pain in mice
Neuroscience 2021 50th Annual Meeting
conference-poster
Altered nociceptive behavior and emotional contagion of pain in mouse models of autism
Genes, Brain and Behavior
journal-article
Naked mole-rats lack cold sensitivity before and after nerve injury
Molecular Pain
journal-article
Naked mole-rats lack cold sensitivity before and after nerve injury
Molecular Pain
journal-article
Naked mole-rats lack cold sensitivity before and after nerve injury
Molecular Pain
journal-article
Sex-specific effects of the histone variant H2A.Z on fear memory, stress-enhanced fear learning and hypersensitivity to pain
Scientific Reports
journal-article
Sex-specific effects of the histone variant H2A.Z on fear memory, stress-enhanced fear learning and hypersensitivity to pain
Scientific Reports
journal-article
Chapter 17: Social Communication and Modulation of Pain
Dynamics of Pain
book-chapter
Characterizing Neuropathic Pain in the Naked Mole-Rat (Heterocephalus glaber)
dissertation-thesis
Life-history trade-offs under different larval diets in Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)