My laboratory is interested in the neural mechanisms underlying animal sensation and behavior. We study: 1) the molecular mechanisms of converting physical/chemical cues into neuronal responses, 2) the principles of sensory coding and processing, and 3) the circuits of rhythmic behaviors such as circadian clock, sleep/wake, and feeding.

We use a genetically-malleable species, Drosophila, wherein we can label and manipulate specific neurons, to understand sensation and behavior from molecules to circuits to behaviors. The genetic approach is accompanied by a state-of-the-art integrated investigation involving optogenetic/chemogenetic manipulation, circuit tracing, two-photon-based calcium imaging, behavioral test and in vivo multi-electrode patch-clamp recordings.