I study the molecular basis of striatal synaptic plasticity and how regulation of synaptic efficacy can shape/influence action selection and learning using various techniques such as slice electrophysiology, pharmacology, fast scan cyclic voltammetry, in vivo photometry, and mouse genetics. One of my studies focuses on how dopamine D2 receptors on striatopallidal (indirect-projection) medium spiny neurons and cholinergic interneurons modulate the induction of synaptic plasticity and regulate striatum dependent behaviors. Another one of my studies focuses on contributions of intracellular signaling molecules in striatal circuitry and function using cyclic AMP and PKA optical biosensors.