Dates of Funding: 2023-2025
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at University of Colorado Denver. My research focuses on the neural mechanisms controlling voluntary physical activity and the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health, as well as sex differences in these phenomena. I study voluntary wheel running (VWR) in rodents as a preclinical model to understand the biological processes motivating physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk for chronic disease and premature mortality. Despite the detrimental consequences of physical inactivity, many adults fail to achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. Unfortunately, over the last 2 decades, there has been no improvement in levels of participation in physical activity globally. Thus, a goal of my research is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying physical activity and develop novel targets to increase participation in physical activity and promote long-term adherence.

Previously, I have identified the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) as a brain region critical for long-term maintenance of VWR in rats. The DLS is important for habitual behavior, however it is currently unknown whether VWR becomes habitual. My NORC pilot project will allow me to test the hypotheses that VWR becomes habitual (Aim 1) and DLS dopamine can facilitate the development of habitual VWR (Aim 2). In Aim 1, I will use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure DLS DA release during VWR as a neurochemical index of habit. I will also devalue VWR to determine if VWR meets this behavioral index of habit. In Aim 2, I will use intersectional optogenetics to stimulate dopamine neurons projecting to the DLS during VWR. Results of these studies could reveal whether DLS dopamine is a novel target to promote long-term physical activity. Given the recent evidence suggesting that exercise habits are critical for long-term exercise adherence, these studies are important to strengthen the translational validity of VWR as a model of human physical activity and to identify a novel strategy to promote participation in long-term, stable exercise.

Dates of Funding: 2023-2025
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at University of Colorado Denver. My research focuses on the neural mechanisms controlling voluntary physical activity and the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health, as well as sex differences in these phenomena. I study voluntary wheel running (VWR) in rodents as a preclinical model to understand the biological processes motivating physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk for chronic disease and premature mortality. Despite the detrimental consequences of physical inactivity, many adults fail to achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. Unfortunately, over the last 2 decades, there has been no improvement in levels of participation in physical activity globally. Thus, a goal of my research is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying physical activity and develop novel targets to increase participation in physical activity and promote long-term adherence.

Previously, I have identified the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) as a brain region critical for long-term maintenance of VWR in rats. The DLS is important for habitual behavior, however it is currently unknown whether VWR becomes habitual. My NORC pilot project will allow me to test the hypotheses that VWR becomes habitual (Aim 1) and DLS dopamine can facilitate the development of habitual VWR (Aim 2). In Aim 1, I will use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure DLS DA release during VWR as a neurochemical index of habit. I will also devalue VWR to determine if VWR meets this behavioral index of habit. In Aim 2, I will use intersectional optogenetics to stimulate dopamine neurons projecting to the DLS during VWR. Results of these studies could reveal whether DLS dopamine is a novel target to promote long-term physical activity. Given the recent evidence suggesting that exercise habits are critical for long-term exercise adherence, these studies are important to strengthen the translational validity of VWR as a model of human physical activity and to identify a novel strategy to promote participation in long-term, stable exercise.

Dates of Funding: 2023-2025
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at University of Colorado Denver. My research focuses on the neural mechanisms controlling voluntary physical activity and the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health, as well as sex differences in these phenomena. I study voluntary wheel running (VWR) in rodents as a preclinical model to understand the biological processes motivating physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk for chronic disease and premature mortality. Despite the detrimental consequences of physical inactivity, many adults fail to achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. Unfortunately, over the last 2 decades, there has been no improvement in levels of participation in physical activity globally. Thus, a goal of my research is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying physical activity and develop novel targets to increase participation in physical activity and promote long-term adherence.

Previously, I have identified the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) as a brain region critical for long-term maintenance of VWR in rats. The DLS is important for habitual behavior, however it is currently unknown whether VWR becomes habitual. My NORC pilot project will allow me to test the hypotheses that VWR becomes habitual (Aim 1) and DLS dopamine can facilitate the development of habitual VWR (Aim 2). In Aim 1, I will use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure DLS DA release during VWR as a neurochemical index of habit. I will also devalue VWR to determine if VWR meets this behavioral index of habit. In Aim 2, I will use intersectional optogenetics to stimulate dopamine neurons projecting to the DLS during VWR. Results of these studies could reveal whether DLS dopamine is a novel target to promote long-term physical activity. Given the recent evidence suggesting that exercise habits are critical for long-term exercise adherence, these studies are important to strengthen the translational validity of VWR as a model of human physical activity and to identify a novel strategy to promote participation in long-term, stable exercise.

Dates of Funding: 2023-2025
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at University of Colorado Denver. My research focuses on the neural mechanisms controlling voluntary physical activity and the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health, as well as sex differences in these phenomena. I study voluntary wheel running (VWR) in rodents as a preclinical model to understand the biological processes motivating physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk for chronic disease and premature mortality. Despite the detrimental consequences of physical inactivity, many adults fail to achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. Unfortunately, over the last 2 decades, there has been no improvement in levels of participation in physical activity globally. Thus, a goal of my research is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying physical activity and develop novel targets to increase participation in physical activity and promote long-term adherence.

Previously, I have identified the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) as a brain region critical for long-term maintenance of VWR in rats. The DLS is important for habitual behavior, however it is currently unknown whether VWR becomes habitual. My NORC pilot project will allow me to test the hypotheses that VWR becomes habitual (Aim 1) and DLS dopamine can facilitate the development of habitual VWR (Aim 2). In Aim 1, I will use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure DLS DA release during VWR as a neurochemical index of habit. I will also devalue VWR to determine if VWR meets this behavioral index of habit. In Aim 2, I will use intersectional optogenetics to stimulate dopamine neurons projecting to the DLS during VWR. Results of these studies could reveal whether DLS dopamine is a novel target to promote long-term physical activity. Given the recent evidence suggesting that exercise habits are critical for long-term exercise adherence, these studies are important to strengthen the translational validity of VWR as a model of human physical activity and to identify a novel strategy to promote participation in long-term, stable exercise.

Dates of Funding: 2023-2025
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at University of Colorado Denver. My research focuses on the neural mechanisms controlling voluntary physical activity and the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health, as well as sex differences in these phenomena. I study voluntary wheel running (VWR) in rodents as a preclinical model to understand the biological processes motivating physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk for chronic disease and premature mortality. Despite the detrimental consequences of physical inactivity, many adults fail to achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. Unfortunately, over the last 2 decades, there has been no improvement in levels of participation in physical activity globally. Thus, a goal of my research is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying physical activity and develop novel targets to increase participation in physical activity and promote long-term adherence.

Previously, I have identified the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) as a brain region critical for long-term maintenance of VWR in rats. The DLS is important for habitual behavior, however it is currently unknown whether VWR becomes habitual. My NORC pilot project will allow me to test the hypotheses that VWR becomes habitual (Aim 1) and DLS dopamine can facilitate the development of habitual VWR (Aim 2). In Aim 1, I will use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure DLS DA release during VWR as a neurochemical index of habit. I will also devalue VWR to determine if VWR meets this behavioral index of habit. In Aim 2, I will use intersectional optogenetics to stimulate dopamine neurons projecting to the DLS during VWR. Results of these studies could reveal whether DLS dopamine is a novel target to promote long-term physical activity. Given the recent evidence suggesting that exercise habits are critical for long-term exercise adherence, these studies are important to strengthen the translational validity of VWR as a model of human physical activity and to identify a novel strategy to promote participation in long-term, stable exercise.

Dates of Funding: 2023-2025
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at University of Colorado Denver. My research focuses on the neural mechanisms controlling voluntary physical activity and the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health, as well as sex differences in these phenomena. I study voluntary wheel running (VWR) in rodents as a preclinical model to understand the biological processes motivating physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk for chronic disease and premature mortality. Despite the detrimental consequences of physical inactivity, many adults fail to achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. Unfortunately, over the last 2 decades, there has been no improvement in levels of participation in physical activity globally. Thus, a goal of my research is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying physical activity and develop novel targets to increase participation in physical activity and promote long-term adherence.

Previously, I have identified the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) as a brain region critical for long-term maintenance of VWR in rats. The DLS is important for habitual behavior, however it is currently unknown whether VWR becomes habitual. My NORC pilot project will allow me to test the hypotheses that VWR becomes habitual (Aim 1) and DLS dopamine can facilitate the development of habitual VWR (Aim 2). In Aim 1, I will use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure DLS DA release during VWR as a neurochemical index of habit. I will also devalue VWR to determine if VWR meets this behavioral index of habit. In Aim 2, I will use intersectional optogenetics to stimulate dopamine neurons projecting to the DLS during VWR. Results of these studies could reveal whether DLS dopamine is a novel target to promote long-term physical activity. Given the recent evidence suggesting that exercise habits are critical for long-term exercise adherence, these studies are important to strengthen the translational validity of VWR as a model of human physical activity and to identify a novel strategy to promote participation in long-term, stable exercise.

Dates of Funding: 2023-2025
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at University of Colorado Denver. My research focuses on the neural mechanisms controlling voluntary physical activity and the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health, as well as sex differences in these phenomena. I study voluntary wheel running (VWR) in rodents as a preclinical model to understand the biological processes motivating physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk for chronic disease and premature mortality. Despite the detrimental consequences of physical inactivity, many adults fail to achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. Unfortunately, over the last 2 decades, there has been no improvement in levels of participation in physical activity globally. Thus, a goal of my research is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying physical activity and develop novel targets to increase participation in physical activity and promote long-term adherence.

Previously, I have identified the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) as a brain region critical for long-term maintenance of VWR in rats. The DLS is important for habitual behavior, however it is currently unknown whether VWR becomes habitual. My NORC pilot project will allow me to test the hypotheses that VWR becomes habitual (Aim 1) and DLS dopamine can facilitate the development of habitual VWR (Aim 2). In Aim 1, I will use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure DLS DA release during VWR as a neurochemical index of habit. I will also devalue VWR to determine if VWR meets this behavioral index of habit. In Aim 2, I will use intersectional optogenetics to stimulate dopamine neurons projecting to the DLS during VWR. Results of these studies could reveal whether DLS dopamine is a novel target to promote long-term physical activity. Given the recent evidence suggesting that exercise habits are critical for long-term exercise adherence, these studies are important to strengthen the translational validity of VWR as a model of human physical activity and to identify a novel strategy to promote participation in long-term, stable exercise.

Dates of Funding: 2023-2025
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at University of Colorado Denver. My research focuses on the neural mechanisms controlling voluntary physical activity and the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health, as well as sex differences in these phenomena. I study voluntary wheel running (VWR) in rodents as a preclinical model to understand the biological processes motivating physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk for chronic disease and premature mortality. Despite the detrimental consequences of physical inactivity, many adults fail to achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. Unfortunately, over the last 2 decades, there has been no improvement in levels of participation in physical activity globally. Thus, a goal of my research is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying physical activity and develop novel targets to increase participation in physical activity and promote long-term adherence.

Previously, I have identified the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) as a brain region critical for long-term maintenance of VWR in rats. The DLS is important for habitual behavior, however it is currently unknown whether VWR becomes habitual. My NORC pilot project will allow me to test the hypotheses that VWR becomes habitual (Aim 1) and DLS dopamine can facilitate the development of habitual VWR (Aim 2). In Aim 1, I will use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure DLS DA release during VWR as a neurochemical index of habit. I will also devalue VWR to determine if VWR meets this behavioral index of habit. In Aim 2, I will use intersectional optogenetics to stimulate dopamine neurons projecting to the DLS during VWR. Results of these studies could reveal whether DLS dopamine is a novel target to promote long-term physical activity. Given the recent evidence suggesting that exercise habits are critical for long-term exercise adherence, these studies are important to strengthen the translational validity of VWR as a model of human physical activity and to identify a novel strategy to promote participation in long-term, stable exercise.

Dates of Funding: 2023-2025
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at University of Colorado Denver. My research focuses on the neural mechanisms controlling voluntary physical activity and the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health, as well as sex differences in these phenomena. I study voluntary wheel running (VWR) in rodents as a preclinical model to understand the biological processes motivating physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk for chronic disease and premature mortality. Despite the detrimental consequences of physical inactivity, many adults fail to achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. Unfortunately, over the last 2 decades, there has been no improvement in levels of participation in physical activity globally. Thus, a goal of my research is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying physical activity and develop novel targets to increase participation in physical activity and promote long-term adherence.

Previously, I have identified the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) as a brain region critical for long-term maintenance of VWR in rats. The DLS is important for habitual behavior, however it is currently unknown whether VWR becomes habitual. My NORC pilot project will allow me to test the hypotheses that VWR becomes habitual (Aim 1) and DLS dopamine can facilitate the development of habitual VWR (Aim 2). In Aim 1, I will use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure DLS DA release during VWR as a neurochemical index of habit. I will also devalue VWR to determine if VWR meets this behavioral index of habit. In Aim 2, I will use intersectional optogenetics to stimulate dopamine neurons projecting to the DLS during VWR. Results of these studies could reveal whether DLS dopamine is a novel target to promote long-term physical activity. Given the recent evidence suggesting that exercise habits are critical for long-term exercise adherence, these studies are important to strengthen the translational validity of VWR as a model of human physical activity and to identify a novel strategy to promote participation in long-term, stable exercise.