Behavioral Neuroscience

Our Research

The Behavioral Neuroscience stream investigates gene function in behavior and maps neuron circuits of the brain to behavior in the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) model system. Researchers achieve this by reducing or eliminating the expression of hypothesized genes for
certain fly behaviors and studying the effect of the manipulation on the behaviors.
 

Currently focused on investigating the genetic basis of learning and memory using the fly as a model system, we use associative learning (conditioning) on mutant flies to investigate for genes important in this characteristic. We are pursuing this in the context of the role of the fly’s immune system in learning and memory as well as modeling alcohol addiction in flies through their learning ability.
 

To study neuron function, we also use optogenetics to activate or reduce activity of defined neurons and explore the outcome of the manipulation. These manipulations are achieved on a genetic level in the organism using transmission genetics to create the required transgene and mutant combinations in the fly.

Our Strategy

We investigate for gaps in knowledge in the field of neuroscience, develop approaches to address those gaps, generate the knowledge required and publish and disseminate to science.
 

Students focus on the development of experimental design, critical/ analytical thinking and interpretation of literature, and data analysis. In addition, our researchers develop teamwork and collaborative skills through wet lab experimentation and written and verbal scientific
communication.