My research explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying taste perception and its role in maintaining homeostasis. Using Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti as model systems, I investigate how organisms sense water, osmolality, acids, and other key tastants, and how these sensory inputs regulate feeding and drinking behaviors. A major focus of my work is the function of Otopetrins and chloride channels in osmosensation and water satiety, with broader implications for understanding thirst regulation and nutrient-driven behaviors. Beyond gustatory circuits, I am interested in how peripheral sensory inputs integrate with central neural pathways to influence decision-making, survival strategies, and disease states. My academic interests extend to the translational applications of insect chemosensation, particularly for vector control, by targeting taste pathways that regulate feeding in mosquitoes. I also emphasize mentoring and inclusive teaching, drawing from experience with high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. I aim to develop innovative, experiential courses in sensory neurobiology, behavioral genetics, and neuroethology, integrating active learning and research-based teaching. Ultimately, my goal is to link molecular neuroscience with organismal behavior to reveal conserved principles of sensory biology while training the next generation of scientists.