My previous research interests focused on the role of proinflammatory cytokines in modulating the analgesic and motivational effects of opioid drugs. However, since coming to The University of Sydney I have changed my research direction. Research in my laboratory focuses on how disease impairs cognitive function in rodent models of memory, motivation and executive function. Here is an overview of some recent projects which have not yet made it to publication: 1: Cognitive dysfunctions in pain 2: Long-term and persistent cognitive dysfunctions caused by chemotherapy and cancer 3: Complex spatial cognition in the rat Research in my laboratories involves projects spanning three fascinating areas: 1. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) 2. Neurobiology of pain 3. Animal cognition