Welcome to the Birdbrain Lab
In our lab, we study the neuroendocrinology and neurogenetics of behavior. In general, we are interested in how genes, hormones, and the environment interact to induce changes in brain structure and function. Our research approach emphasizes natural organisms and evolutionary principles.
In our research, we ask the following questions:
-
•How do signals from the environment produce short-term or long-term changes in the brain?
-
•
-
•How do hormones and gene expression alter the brain’s responsiveness to environmental signals?
-
•What is the functional significance of hormone-induced changes in sensory processing and perception?
-
•
-
•What can we learn about the evolution of behavior and its underlying mechanisms by comparing different species or looking at variation among individuals?
-
•
Please click on the links to the left to learn more about us and our research.
For a description of our research program in pdf format, click here.
A white-crowned sparrow performing a courtship display.
