Research in the department focuses on the complex interactions between the nervous system, bodily functions, and behavior. Key areas of study include the mechanisms of brain function and neural connectivity, sensory perception, and cognitive processes. Researchers explore physiological processes such as cardiovascular and respiratory functions, metabolic regulation, and endocrine system dynamics. Behavioral studies investigate animal and human behaviors, including learning, memory, and social interactions. The department employs cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, genetics, imaging, and computational modeling to advance understanding in these fields, aiming to uncover fundamental principles of life processes and address health-related issues.
Research Areas
Department Research Areas
Adaptations for Coping with Environmental Variation
How organisms adapt to changes in their environment, focusing on physiological, genetic, and behavioral strategies.
Aging, Health, and Disease
How the biological processes of aging impact health, and how the mechanisms underlying age-related diseases can improve longevity and quality of life.
Animal Behavior
How the ecological, evolutionary, and neurobiological factors drive diverse behaviors of animals.
Best Practices for STEM Education and Inclusion
How to develop and evaluate strategies to enhance STEM education and promote inclusive practices that support diversity and equity.
Brain Development, Evolution, and Plasticity
How the brain grows, adapts, and evolves over time, examining the underlying mechanisms of neural development, adaptability, and evolutionary changes.
Endocrine and Activity-Dependent Regulation of Metabolism, Stress, and Development
How hormones and physiological activity influence metabolic processes, stress responses, and developmental stages.
Neural Mechanisms for Attention, Cognition, and Emotion
How the brain regulates focus, thought processes, and emotional responses, and the underlying neural circuitry involved.
Neuroengineering, Prosthetics, and Computational Neuroscience
How advanced technologies and computational models can enhance neural function, improve prosthetic devices, and understand brain computations.
Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle: Structure, Function, and Mobility
How the structural and functional properties of muscle tissues affect movement and cardiovascular health.
Systems and Sensory Neuroscience
How neural circuits and sensory systems process information to drive perception, behavior, and cognition.