Curiosity twinned with my long lasting aspiration for understanding fundamental principles of life and how creatures have adapted themselves to the everlasting challenges of evolution and environment has always been the driving force behind my research. Out of many different environmental influences I was always elusively fascinated by one of the most important and yet visible pacemakers in nature the daily rhythm according to the sunlight. In this regard my research interests centre on the role played by circadian timing systems in behavioural and physiological adaption to environmental alterations. Throughout my research career, I have used in vitro as well as in vivo models to examine how changes in light and food shapes behaviour as well as physiology in vertebrates. This approach enables me to approach a scientific question to enhance knowledge of functional mechanism.
The majority of my innovative research findings with regard to behavioural plasticity under challenged environmental condition, clockwork function in vivo and in vitro, and responses of biological processes to different wavelengths I have attained using male animal models. While much we know about the mechanisms regulating the biological rhythms in male mice, little is known about the impact of sexual hormone estrogen on the phase of the molecular clock in the brain and peripheral oscillators in female mice. There is a growing recognition of sex differences in sleep, immunoresponse and behavioral rhythms. Understanding the interplay of neuroendocrine mediators and sex hormones, which jointly influence the central and peripheral oscillators under photic and non-photic fluctuations is central to advancing our comprehension of estrogen role in modulation of the molecular clock rhythm.
Finally, my dedication to this field is accompanied by a commitment to help students to be inspired and to fulfil their potential. Thus parallel to my research I am supervising students in designing their projects as well as giving lectures in physiology. In addition, I believe that students have enormous potential with regard to developing new ideas with enthusiasm. Therefore, my intention is to support their enthusiasm in science by intensive discussions and critical questions.
