With a background in physics and biophysics, Dr. Gabel was attracted to the powerful simplicity of C. elegans and similar model systems, to which the Gabel lab brings expertise in high-resolution laser ablation and fluorescence microscopy to study neuronal damage, regeneration and function. Along with his collaborators, Dr. Gabel has recently developed techniques to measure neuronal activity in C. elegans within medically relevant context such as physical damage, age related decline and exposure to anesthetics.