Leslie is a senior PhD candidate in the Columbia Neurobiology and Behavior graduate program. She received her BA and BS in Creative Writing and Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University. Since joining the Costa lab, her thesis work has focused on understanding the role of the thalamus in motor learning and performance. Using a new two-action skilled forelimb behavioral task, 2-photon calcium imaging, and lesioning techniques she hopes to uncover more about the illusive thalamus during behavior. Outside of the lab Leslie is passionate about writing poetry, hitting the trails at national parks, and playing tennis.