We investigate the neural and hormonal mechanisms of social behavior.
The mechanisms of social behavior are remarkably conserved across species. Many of the same neurochemical systems that regulate social behavior in fish, amphibians, and birds also regulate social behavior in mammals, including humans. We primarily conduct experiments with the zebrafish, a highly social, group-living fish native to South Asia. Widely used in investigations of vertebrate development, genetics, physiology, and disease, you may have met this mini member of the minnow family at your local pet store.
