Annette Allen

Annette Allen is a Research Fellow specializing in circadian rhythms and visual systems. Her lab investigates how biological clocks modulate neural circuits, physiology, and behavior, particularly in rodents. She explores retinal and brain adaptations to light cycles, and redesigns visual displays to control photoreceptors like melanopsin.

Research focuses on circadian specializations in retinal cells, consequences of circadian disruption on vision, and ecological niches influencing visual systems. Techniques include in vivo/ex vivo electrophysiology and circuit manipulation in nocturnal/diurnal rodents.

Key contributions include advancing understanding of melanopsin's role in vision and developing lighting standards for health and animal welfare. Projects span biological timing, sensory systems, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Awards: Sir Henry Dale Fellow (202X)
• Impacts: International lighting standards, healthy lighting guidelines, and re-designed artificial lights for biological needs.
• Labs/Teams: Lab focuses on visual systems as models for neural flexibility, with emphasis on circadian and ecological adaptations.