Research Interests

Currently, my main area of research is in the neurosteroid hormone regulation of fear learning. We look at different hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, and how the presence or absence of these affect fear learning in the brain. Specifically, we look mostly at the bed nucleus of stria terminalis and how neurosteroid hormones manipulates the excitation and inhibition of the cells within this structure. This structure plays a large role in the output of fear behaviors and anxiety. Our research will help further the understanding of sex differences that are prevalent in PTSD.