Research
Our laboratory investigates how neuronal communication remains adaptive, robust, and resilient across biological timescales. We combine quantitative neurophysiology, advanced imaging, computational modelling, and cross-species experimental systems to uncover the mechanisms that preserve nervous system function from milliseconds to chronic disease. Our work seeks to uncover the conserved principles that enable adaptive nervous system function across biological timescales. Many of these principles converge on the adaptive regulation of presynaptic release sites, providing a mechanistic framework linking rapid synaptic plasticity, long-term homeostatic adaptation, and neuronal resilience.
Adaptive Neural Computation
Neuronal communication must remain both highly reliable and remarkably flexible. We investigate how individual release sites rapidly adapt their molecular composition to dynamically tune synaptic strength during ongoing activity. Combining electrophysiology, quantitative imaging, and computational modeling, we aim to uncover the principles that enable robust information processing on the millisecond timescale while maintaining sufficient adaptive reserve for future challenges.
Synaptic Adaptation & Resilience
Neural circuits must remain functional not only during rapid fluctuations in activity, but also throughout prolonged physiological and pathological challenges. We investigate how presynaptic terminals adapt over hours to days through homeostatic plasticity, local protein synthesis, structural remodeling, and metabolic regulation. By linking molecular mechanisms to changes in synaptic output, we seek to uncover the principles that preserve neuronal function, define the limits of adaptive capacity, and ultimately determine resilience in aging and neurological disease.