Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA is a major signaling molecule involved in many different pathways including those involved with sleep and memory formation.
Currently, I am working on a collaboration with Dr. Lydic and Dr. Baghdoyan in the anesthesiology department. I am trying to detect GABA in the pontine nucleus oralis (an important center for REM sleep) in anesthetized and freely-moving rats using microdialysis coupled to capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser induced fluorescence (LIF) as a detector. By implanting microdialysis probes in the PNO, I can measure changes in neurotransmitter levels every 12 seconds. This high temporal resolution will aid in efforts to measure fast changes in extracellular GABA over the sleep cycle.
When I am not in lab, I like to play with my two kittens Lily and Leia. I also enjoy sewing, going out to eat, and watching movies with my friends. One of my many talents is my ability to remember silly details. Because of my love for the game Memory as a child (yeah I was kind of a dork, I tend to remember the little details. How many of you can still sing the Nintendo breakfast theme song? I can also quote a lot of the early Simpson's episodes. Hey, if you still look like you are sixteen, you might as well have the same tastes that you did growing up.