This group is focused on the study of abnormal neurodevelopment with a specific emphasis on: 1) Fragile X Syndrome, the most common cause of inherited mental impairment, and 2) stress induced behavioral disorders. By integrating animal studies with advanced BioMEMS devices, we aim to elucidate key genetic, metabolic, and environmental pathways that affect synaptic plasticity in key regions of the brain involved in both cognitive and emotional learning (the medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex). In addition, by using a combination of whole brain imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and neuronal tracing in vivo and in cultured brain explants, we hope to establish the normal and abnormal circuitry of the brain regions involved in abnormal learning during neurodevelopment. A specifically focused effort involved the development of a Brain-on-a-Chip microdevice using subcortical and cortical tissue explants. This in vitro model will allow us to study the activity dependent learning that occurs in early postnatal development.

A sub group is also investigating new laser treatments for Macular Degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading caused of irreversible vision loss in the Western World. Visual loss, due to macular degeneration, occurs secondary to atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Atrophy of the RPE monolayer leads to subsequent damage to the overlaying photoreceptors resulting in loss of vision.
The focus of this research group is the application of subthreshold laser pulses to induce RPE regeneration without damaging the overlaying photoreceptors. Several other major retinal diseases are also under investigation including central serous choroidopathy and diabetic retinopathy.