My research investigates mechanisms of physiological homeostasis, focusing currently on biological adaptation to changes in ambient physical chemical cues (e.g. membrane fluidity, temperature and oxygen levels). I dissect the problem at the molecular, cellular and animal behavioral levels. With prior training in both mammalian (PhD) and C. elegans (Postdoc) genetics and neurobiology, I use large-scale C. elegans screens and genetic epistasis analysis as powerful discovery tools to identify novel gene/pathway functions followed by validation of evolutionarily conserved principles and mechanisms in mammalian systems.