A fundamental question in neurobiology concerns how the nervous system and genes control animal behavior. Although considerable progress has been made, it remains largely enigmatic as to how information is processed by neural circuits, how genes regulate information processing, and how this ultimately produces and reshapes behavior. To approach these questions, we primarily utilize the genetic model organism C. elegans, because of its amenability to genetic manipulation and very well characterized nervous system. We take a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular genetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and electrophysiology.