Biography
I am a molecular biologist and neuroscientist who studies the connection between food, genes, and brains. In my lab, we are particularly interested in nutrigenomics, or how nutrients can tinker with genetic switches in the DNA to change cell physiology. I am also a college professor and teach Genetics and Epigenetics to hundreds of University of Michigan students every year. I love connecting with people over everything, but especially over science. I am actively involved in science writing and podcasting.
- Ph.D., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences
Research
My lab studies how components of food affect gene expression and brain function to change behavior and the risk for metabolic a neural diseases. We use a multidisciplinary approach at the intersection of molecular biology, neuroscience, and metabolism and employ techniques such as in vivo imaging and electrophysiology, genomics, behavioral assays, and metabolomics.
Center, Institute, and Program Affiliations
Language Proficiency
- Italian - Read/Write/Speak