My ongoing dissertation research focuses on studying the signaling mechanism of peripheral nerve tumor formation in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) using in vitro and in vivo models. Specifically, I am studying the functions of a G-protein coupled receptor called P2RY14 and its role in neurofibroma growth and blood-nerve barrier disruption. I believe the results of my research will likely be highly relevant to human health as it can provide a new pharmacological treatment strategy for NF1.