My lab aims to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which neural circuits execute behavioural decisions. The circuit we are studying regulates the C. elegans male’s decision to exploit a source of food or to explore in search in mates. This decision is regulated by food and mate experience and by the neuropeptide pdf-1. Using genetics and neuroimaging we are trying to understand how the circuit integrates sensory information and internal state to produce either exploratory decision.