Research
Animal Behavior, Bioinformatics, Neurobiology
My lab examines the neural and hormonal mechanisms that motivate social behavior and communication. Using songbirds as a model system, my lab members and I investigate how brain reward circuits and neuromodulators shape social interactions, vocal communication, and affiliative behavior. This work provides fundamental insights into the biology of social connection and may help inform our understanding of social deficits associated with mental health disorders.
Education
Ph.D., Biological Psychology, Bowling Green State University, 1997