BSc, Anatomical Sciences, University of Manchester, England; PhD, Neuroscience, University College London, England; Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University, USA. Assistant Professor, Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory and the Crick-Jacobs Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA. Work is focused on understanding the mechanisms by which neural networks are formed during development, and regulated during health and disease. Takes a unique approach by asking how other cells in the brain, in particular a class of glial cell called astrocytes, contribute to neuronal network formation and function. Research identifies the molecular cues used by astrocytes to regulate neuronal synapse formation, maturation, and remodelling. These findings are important for determining how the brain normally develops and have implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, that are caused by defects in synapse formation and function. Long-term goal is to use the knowledge obtained studying astrocytes in the developing brain to apply to regenerating the brain following injury or degenerative disease, in particular stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Recipient of awards and honours: European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) Long Term Fellow; Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) Long Term Fellow; Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar in Aging; Pew Scholar.