Juan Mena-Segovia is an associate professor at Rutgers University with more than 20 years of experience in basic research focused on the anatomical and functional organization of midbrain and basal ganglia structures and their interactions during normal behavior and disease. Using a range of anatomical, electrophysiological, optogenetic, imaging and behavioral techniques, he has contributed to the characterization of the neurochemical and functional heterogeneity of neurons of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). His work has led to important advances in understanding circuit mechanisms underlying motor behavior, findings relevant for Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to the impact of the PPN over dopamine neurons in the midbrain and the changes in the PPN physiology in models of PD. He has identified novel cell types within the PPN as well as novel targets and their functional roles, establishing the foundation for tackling unresolved motor deficits in PD, including disturbances in gait.