As a teacher, I seek to foster curiosity about the natural world, scaffold the development of tools necessary for critical analysis, and create space for students to interrogate how course material intersects with their identities, values, and diverse interests. All of my courses incorporate primary literature, conversations about experimental design, and many (many) opportunities to speak and write.
NSC 382 – Hormones & Behavior
A exploration of the bidirectional relationship between the central nervous system and endocrine system – how does the brain regulate hormone secretion? how do hormones alter processes within the brain? We examine how these interactions regulate physiology and behavior across vertebrates. Focusing on structure and function, we consider neuroendocrine control of a variety of processes, including reproduction, aggression, stress responses, appetite, and biological rhythms.
NSC 389 – Sex, Gender, & the Brain
Although neuroscience is often invoked to define and demarcate sexual “categories”, the discipline actually tends to ignore sex and gender. This extends to basic neuroscience, where the majority of studies focus on male animals or do not consider sex at all. This class explores sex as a neurobiological variable in humans and other animals. We consider many questions, including: Why did sex evolve? Where differences exist, what generates sex/gender differences in a particular trait – genes? hormones? lived experiences? How do social and cultural contexts influence neuroscientific investigations of sex and gender? What are the consequences of ignoring sex and gender?
NSC 401 – Senior Neuroscience Seminar
Fall 2021 theme: Neurotoxicology. A seminar exploring the neural, endocrine, and behavioral consequences of exposure to environmental contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, etc.). Couched within an environmental justice framework, we will consider the role of research neuroscientists as one of the many stakeholders invested in anticipating, identifying, and responding to hazardous environmental exposures.
NSC 311 – Neurons & Networks (with lab)
An exploration of the molecular and cellular foundations of nervous system function. Topics include the ionic and electrical properties of neurons; the biochemistry of synaptic signaling; structure and function of ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors; neuronal and synaptic plasticity; and the functional regulation of basic neuronal circuits. Research methods of cellular and molecular neuroscience will be introduced through class discussions, primary literature, and laboratory investigations.