Our research goal is to discover fundamental and conserved mechanisms that guide the formation and maintenance of neural circuits.  Within the brain, ensembles of nerve cells transmit and process information through chemical signals released at synapses linking these cells into functional networks. The neural synapse is the essential building block of this vast communication network, and its formation, maturation, plasticity and maintenance are carefully controlled by a host of regulatory mechanisms. When one or more of these key processes goes awry, the consequences are often devastating.  Thus, we seek to identify and understand the underlying machinery that allow synapses to form and stay healthy as the brain develops, matures and ages normally.  With a deeper understanding of this molecular and cellular machinery, we hope that it will be possible to address both developmental and neurodegenerative pathologies that impact human health.