We model human disease using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Our motivations are rooted deeply in basic biology, with the goal of understanding the relationship between genotype and phenotype. Not only do we gain deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for disease and developmental disorders, but also fundamental knowledge about gene function. A common theme of our studies is that the canonical cellular function of a given gene doesn't always explain the disease/developmental phenotype of the organism. Thus, our studies provide an exciting opportunity to identify novel cellular roles from otherwise well-studied genes, towards the goal of characterizing complete gene function. 
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Take a look at some of our current projects:

Molecular Mechanisms of Microcephaly

High Resolution Imaging of Intact Animals to Uncover Novel Developmental Defects