Title: Sodium, ALdosterone, gene Transcription and behavior

I'll share with students my journey through Simpson to a PhD program at the University of Iowa where I'm investigating how a small group of neurons drives salt-seeking behaviors.  My work seeks to combine a molecular understanding of these neurons, especially hormone-induced gene and protein changes, with neuronal activity and, ultimately, behavior.  I utilize mice and a multitude of modern neuroscience techniques with the goal of helping to reduce salt intake in patients with hypertension/chronic kidney disease. I will also talk about why I decided to pursue graduate school, the challenges that came with that, what grad school is like, and advice for younger students.