Ellie Heckscher
We study the development, function and evolution of somatosensory and motor systems using insect larvae as models.
Posts tagged with 'Neurobiology'
Jasmine Nirody
We study the physics of how biological systems interact with their environments, as well as the role of these interactions in shaping organismal morphology and behavior.
We use a range of theoretical and empirical (laboratory + field) techniques to answer questions that sit at the intersection of behavior, biophysics, and evolution.
We work on problems across organismal systems and levels of biological organization. While the underlying mechanisms (and the techniques we use to study them) may vary as we shift our focus from molecular motors to bacteria to animals, the larger questions we are fascinated by remain the same!
- How do biological systems sense and respond to mechanical stresses in complex environments?
- In what environments do adaptive mechanics improve performance?
- How do flexible locomotive strategies affect the evolution of biomechanical structures?
Our research provides ample opportunities for undergraduate engagement. Please email Jasmine at jnirody@uchicago.edu to discuss options!
Ming Xu
My long-term research interest is to understand mechanisms underlying drug addiction and to find possible treatment. We use behavioral, genetic, anatomical and molecular biological methods. One major research project is to identify mechanisms and neuronal circuits associated with reconsolidation and extinction of cocaine-induced reward memory. Another project is to develop a novel method of using skin stem cells to deliver therapeutic genes to combat the abuse of cocaine, ethanol, nicotine, opioids and their co-abuse.