Our research is focused on fish neuroendocrinology. We study the neuroendocrine systems that control many important production traits, including development, growth, metabolism, behavior and reproduction. In particular, the lab is interested in the development and function of two endocrine systems: the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) circuit that controls reproduction and the thyroid hormone axis which controls metabolism, growth, and larval development. With a strong interest in hypothalamus-pituitary interactions, we study functional endocrine cell networks which are critical for the generation of meaningful hormone pulses. The work in the lab relies heavily on the use of transgenic fish, especially zebrafish and tilapia for which effficient transgenesis pipelines have been developed. The lab also studies other commercially important species with long larval periods such as mullets (Mugil cephalus) with the goal of relieving bottlenecks in the larval rearing of marine species. By revealing the basic mechanisms by which the fish hormonal system develops and functions, we aim to develop efficient manipulations for controlling reproduction, growth and development in commercially important fish species.