My research focuses on understanding how sensory information is associated with behavioral significance in cortical structures, and how these representations change with experience. Because cortical activation can be modulated by systems that are responsive to drugs of abuse, these studies hold the promise of providing key insights into mechanisms that underlie addictive behaviors. Using an experimental approach that combines genetic, physiological, anatomical, and behavioral methods, my long-term goal is to understand the interactions between neuromodulatory systems and cortical structures in sensory coding, learning and behavior.