Our lab is interested in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Specifically, a main area of focus is on the neural mechanisms underlying social behaviors. The ability to engage in and interpret species-specific social behaviors is integral to an organism’s physical and psychological well-being. Social impairments are associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia, and these deficits can lead to decreased quality of life. We use mouse models and multi-disciplinary approaches, including behavioral, molecular, and in vivo imaging techniques. Another main area of focus is sex differences in health and disease, with a focus on the role of steroid hormones during development in the increased prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in males compared to females.