She received her bachelor’s degree in biology and history from Wellesley College and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Arizona. Her research interests include the study of neurogenetic mechanisms underlying normal and disordered speech function using the songbird model system. In particular, she uses songbirds to model behavioral, molecular and cellular aspects related to vocal dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease. Her collaborations in this area span multiple animal species and institutes. Her mission is to bring diverse groups of clinicians and researchers together to develop a broader understanding of the disease and pave the way for better therapeutic options.