The unifying theme of my work is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which the nervous system modulates organismal physiology and lifespan. I use the model system <i> Drosophila melanogaster <i> to study this topic for a variety of reasons, including their short lifespan, complex neuroanatomy, and conservation of key molecular processes with higher-order vertebrates. My previous work has detailed the molecular mechanisms by which important sensory perceptive experiences, such as pheromone or death perception, significantly impact organismal physiology. I am currently investigating the molecular underpinnings of how these and other sensory inputs impact lifespan. Importantly, my work may help identify key molecular pathways involved in aging and age-related disease, as well as in depression and other mental disorders, that have been difficult to study in human populations for the development of therapeutics that promote healthy aging.