Our research focuses on two distinct areas of research—  neuromodulation and speciation. While the research interests themselves are different, we can use similar molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches to answer such questions. Our interest in neuromodulation lies in the molecular mechanisms involved in dense-core vesicle biogenesis and regulation of Gq signaling. Through an activated Gq mutation genetic screen in C. elegans, we have found novel proteins that seem to be involved in both pathways. In order to address how speciation occurs we are studying hybrid incompatibilities between different Caenorhabditis species.

Current Projects