Research interests

The neocortex is considered to be the seat of higher cognitive functions in humans. During its evolution, most notably in humans, the neocortex has undergone considerable expansion, which is reflected by an increase in the number of neurons. Neocortical neurons are generated during development by neural stem and progenitor cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in orchestrating the behavior of stem cells during development. We are interested in the mechanisms that regulate gene expression in neural stem cells, which have implications for our understanding of neocortex development and evolution, neural stem cell regulation and neurodevelopmental diseases.

Career

2018-2013	PostDoc, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
2012-2008	Postdoc, Biotech Research and Innovation Centre
2008-2004	PhD student, Friedrich Miescher Institute
2003-2002	Intern, Curtin University