As a researcher who deeply appreciates the importance of developing novel techniques, Ismail has always been inspired by Sydney Brenner’s words of wisdom. As he transitions into a career with more independence, Ismail envisions leading a research program with the following goals:

1. Develop novel chemical methods to manipulate and sense neuropeptide function and their neuronal and non-neuronal cell targets in rodents.

2. Mechanistically disentangle oxytocin and vasopressin signaling pathways to determine how each modulates social behavior, given their structural and chemical resemblance and capacity to crosstalk.

3. Determine the bidirectional role of oxytocin and vasopressin signaling between the central and peripheral nervous systems in the context of maternal and social behavior.

4. Explore the therapeutic utility of exploiting the oxytocin and vasopressin systems for neuropsychiatric disorders with hallmark phenotypes of social deficits (i.e., depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, autism).