Neurobiology

NeurobiologyNeurobiology faculty in the Biology Department conduct cutting-edge research that addresses fundamental questions in modern neuroscience. Faculty research interests include: neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, neuroethology, behavioral neuroendocrinology, and sensory processing in the visual and olfactory systems.

Faculty research laboratories and shared facilities are well equipped to implement experimental methods in genetics, cellular and molecular biology, HPLC, electron microscopy, confocal and other imaging techniques, electrophysiology, vocal learning, and behavior. A diverse range of organisms are used in our research: ants, crayfish, Drosophilia, lobsters, salamanders, goldfish, chickens, songbirds, rats and mice. Members of the biology faculty are also active participants in an interdepartmental GPN - Graduate Program for Neuroscience, the newly established Center for Neuroscience, and several campus-wide neuroscience seminar series.

Faculty with Related Research

  • Jelle Atema
    Sensory biology, chemical signals, receptor physiology, animal behavior, behavioral ecology, chemical ecology, biomimetic robotics
  • Michael J. Baum
    Behavioral neuroendocrinology, neurobiology
  • Ian Davison
    Neural circuit architecture, cortical information storage
  • Vincent Dionne
    Sensory biology: olfaction, pain
  • William D. Eldred
    Visual neurobiology and traumatic brain injury
  • Tim Gardner
    Neural circuits and their development – vocal learning in songbirds
  • Robert E. Hausman
    Cell-cell interactions, cell adhesion complexes, contact-mediated regulation of gene expression
  • Angela Ho
    Molecular and cellular basis of synaptic function and alzheimer’s disease
  • Jen-Wei Lin
    Electrophysiology and molecular mechanisms of secretion
  • Hengye Man
    Synaptic plasticity, glutamate receptors, protein trafficking, axon growth and neuron polarization, bioenergetics, neurodegenerative disorders and neuronal death
  • James F. A. Traniello
    Behavior, ecology and evolution of social insects; neuroethology; social brain evolution; behavioral development and senescence; evolution of division of labor