Faculty Profiles

I'm excited to join Reed College as Visiting Assistant Professor of Neurobiology in the Department of Biology. My academic journey began with a PhD at the University of Lisbon, where I delved into animal behavior, particularly focusing on the social dynamics of fish. This work sparked my interest in understanding how social behaviors shape brain physiology across species. During my postdoctoral tenure at Northwestern University, I explored the neural mechanisms underlying temperature perception and behavioral avoidance in flies. My interdisciplinary approach integrates neuroethology and neurobiology, leveraging techniques such as optogenetics, calcium imaging, connectomics and behavior modeling to decipher how environmental cues shape neural circuits. At Reed College, I'm eager to unravel how social interactions are impacted by external conditions, such as hot temperatures, and how the brain resolves these conflicts to elicit appropriate behavioral responses. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and mentoring students, contributing to advancements in neuroethology and neurobiology within the department.