My expertise bridges developmental neuroscience, molecular genetics, and mammalian sensorimotor circuit analysis. Her peer-reviewed studies have advanced understanding of neural stem cell temporal patterning, terminal neuronal fate specification, lineage-specific transcriptional profiling, CRISPR-based genetic tool development, and hormone-dependent regulation of post-mitotic neuronal differentiation. Building on this foundation, her current work focuses on trigeminal sensorimotor circuits, particularly premotor neuron populations, using AAV-based targeting of tooth-innervating sensory neurons, neural tracing of premotor and motor neurons, optogenetics, and AI-based behavioral quantification to elucidate mechanisms dissociating acute orofacial pain and protective jaw-opening reflexes.
Please describe one or two of your most interesting projects.
One of my most interesting projects focuses on how sensory input from the teeth is transformed into coordinated jaw movement. In the orofacial system, intradental sensory afferents can reliably evoke jaw opening, which is critical for feeding, vocalization, and protection from harmful oral stimuli. However, the brainstem circuit mechanisms that coordinate jaw-opening and jaw-closing muscles are not well understood.
Using the tooth–trigeminal system as a model, I identified brainstem sensorimotor hubs that link dental sensory input to jaw-opening motor output through two molecularly defined premotor neuron populations. These populations connect to distinct motor pathways controlling the digastric and masseter muscles, suggesting a mechanism for coordinating agonist activation with antagonist regulation. By combining AAV-based circuit tracing, brain-slice electrophysiology, optogenetic behavioral activation, Fos mapping, and AI-based behavioral quantification, I mapped the functional connectivity between intradental sensory afferents, premotor neurons, and motor neuron pools. I found that Pdyn⁺ premotor neurons are sufficient to elicit jaw opening, while Calb2⁺ premotor neurons may modulate coordination. This project provides a circuit-level map of tooth-evoked jaw opening and may help identify brainstem targets relevant to orofacial sensorimotor disorders.
What is the most significant scientific contribution you would like to make?
The most significant scientific contribution I hope to make is to deepen our understanding of how the brain transforms sensory signals into coordinated motor actions. Animals must rapidly convert sensory information from the body into appropriate movements, and this process is especially important in the orofacial system, where peripheral sensory input can trigger jaw opening—an essential behavior for feeding, vocalization, and protection from harmful oral stimuli. By studying how the brain integrates sensory information to guide sensorimotor control, I aim to uncover mechanisms that could support central interventions for orofacial sensorimotor disorders, such as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Ultimately, I hope my research will provide a foundation for future translational science that leads to more effective treatments and improved quality of life for patients with TMD.
What makes you excited about your data science and AI research?
What excites me about data science and AI research is the opportunity to combine multiple training models in ways that create stronger and more insightful systems. I see this integration as a path toward advancing future science, solving complex problems, and discovering possibilities that would be difficult to reach with a single model alone.
What are 1-3 interesting facts about yourself?
Outside the lab, I love baking, gardening, and hiking. Whether I’m experimenting with a new recipe, growing plants, or exploring a trail, I enjoy activities that combine curiosity, creativity, and patience.