My academic interests lie at the intersection of cognition, neuroscience, and clinical research. In particular I am intrigued by how new techniques being developed by the cognitive neuroscience field can help us understand why there is such a wide range of individual differences in our cognitive function. In addition, I am interested in employing these tools to learn more about the neural underpinnings of neuropsychiatric and genetic disorders.

My research involves an interdisciplinary approach to investigating the neural circuitry underlying working memory and the executive functions.  Working memory is complex cognitive process that relies on a network of coordinated brain regions. It can be investigated across species and at the cellular, systems, and behavioral levels, making it particularly well-suited to multimodal research techniques. In my work, I have incorporated methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), small animal MRI, behavioral testing in humans and mice, and studies in relevant patient populations. I am particularly interested in translational research applications in which we can shed light on the basis of working memory deficits in disorders such as schizophrenia.

I am currently at the University of California, Los Angeles in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences. I am affiliated with the Clinical Neuroscience Laboratory,  the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, the Neuroimaging Training Program and the Center for Neuropsychiatric Phenomics.