Biophysics of Sleep and Brain State Transitions Laboratory

Research Interests

The brain exhibits a remarkable variety of organized and synchronized activity patterns, yet the mechanisms that generate these dynamics, and how their disruption contributes to neurological disease, remain incompletely understood. Sleep is a highly structured and tightly regulated brain state, characterized by distinct rhythms and transitions. Although its precise functions are still being uncovered, its regulation is recognized as essential for health, and disturbances in sleep architecture are a hallmark of many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Our lab focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the biophysical mechanisms underlying the precise regulation of sleep architecture and brain state transitions with a particular focus on how these processes are altered during normal aging and neurodegenerative disease.

Current research topics include:

• How does homeostatic sleep pressure shape the activity of arousal circuits?
• How is sleep need integrated across arousal centers to fine-tune daily variations in sleep architecture?
• What are the biophysical mechanisms underlying infra-slow fluctuations during sleep, and what roles do these dynamics play?
• How do aging and neurodegenerative diseases alter homeostatic sleep regulation?
• What mechanisms underlie the regulation of brain state transitions and the maintenance of distinct states?

Opportunities to Join the Lab

Currently Accepting Graduate Students

Highly motivated individuals interested in graduate research in neuroscience, biophysics, and computational modeling are invited to apply. Please contact Dr. Gonzalez to discuss potential opportunities to join the lab, which may be subject to funding availability and program requirements.