Dr. O'Donovan's research focuses on the development and operation of circuits in the spinal cord. He currently devotes most of his effort to understanding the organization of the spinal networks generating locomotion of the neonatal mouse. He is particularly interested in understanding the role of motoneurons in the operation of locomotor networks and the mechanisms responsible for the excitatory effects of motoneurons within the spinal cord.

His lab focused on understanding how motoneurons trigger and modulate the locomotor rhythm in the neonatal spinal cord. This involves several techniques including, whole cell patch clamping, calcium and voltage imaging, optogenetics and immunocytochemistry.