My primary scientific aim is to examine the interaction between peripheral metabolic signaling and neural activity in individuals with healthy and disordered eating behaviors. This work involves measurement of metabolic functioning (e.g., body composition, gut hormones), brain structure (cortical thickness), and brain activity using MRI. By using this integrated approach, I hope to identify mechanisms by which disturbances in gastrointestinal functioning modulate activity of brain regions involved in higher-order cognition and feeding behaviour. I am also particularly interested in the role of stress in eating disorders and related psychiatric disorders.
