The Stern Laboratory focuses on elucidating the neural mechanisms, from genes to circuits, that coordinate complex behaviors. In particular, we use state-of-the-art molecular profiling and RNA sequencing technologies to discover novel cell types that define specific neural circuits and behaviors. We combine this with optogenetics, chemogenetics and calcium imaging (including bulk fluorescence and single cell imaging) in order to gain comprehensive and mechanistic knowledge about how complex behaviors are coordinated and orchestrated. Producing high quality science is a priority, but so is creating a lab environment that is collaborative, diverse, and inclusive to all, with supportive mentorship and a positive space for everyone.
