XB-LAB-1231
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O'Connell Lab
Research Interests
Behavioral Neuroscience .Research Area
Our lab explores the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior and environmental adaptation. By understanding these processes, we aim to address critical challenges in human health and ecological resilience, contributing to solutions for a rapidly changing world. We use frogs to answer questions important for human and planetary health that are difficult to address in other traditional laboratory research organisms. Our core research areas: Variability in Social Behavior- Frogs exhibit a remarkable range of social behaviors, from paternal care to female aggression to tadpole begging behavior. This diversity allows us to investigate the neural and genetic mechanisms that drive complex behaviors and their evolution. Ectotherms Sensitive to Change- As ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals, frogs are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment, making them excellent indicators of how extreme weather and habitat destruction impact ecosystems. Relatively Simple Nervous Systems- Frogs have nervous systems that are less complex than those of mammals, providing a streamlined model to study the fundamental building blocks of neural circuits and behavior. Unique Physiological Traits- Many frog species possess specialized adaptations. These traits allow us to explore how animals protect themselves from environmental toxins and observe organ function in vivo, offering valuable insights into physiological processes.Current Members
O'Connell, Lauren A
(Principal Investigator/Director)
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