My laboratory studies neurobiological mechanisms of learning and memory. We focus on a brain structure called the hippocampus, which is essential for spatial and contextual learning. My goal is to understand the mechanisms by which this region forms and maintains memories across the lifespan. I am also interested in the relationship between hippocampal plasticity and the development of drug tolerance. To address these issues, my laboratory combines behavioral analyses with pharmacology, immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, optogenetic and pharmacogenetic techniques. We use mice because of the powerful cellular and molecular tools that have been developed in these animals.