Barb Zielinski

Barb Zielinski is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Science, specializing in neurobiology and chemoreception in aquatic organisms. Her research focuses on understanding the chemosensory systems of lampreys and other fish, particularly their olfactory and gustatory mechanisms, and their ecological implications. She has contributed significantly to studies on sensory-guided behavior, invasive species management, and the neural pathways linking sensory inputs to motor outputs.

Her work integrates cellular, molecular, and behavioral approaches to explore topics such as taste bud distribution, G-protein coupled receptors, and olfactory-driven locomotion. Recent research emphasizes lamprey physiology in the context of environmental challenges, including responses to algal toxins and evolutionary adaptations in sensory systems.

Dr. Zielinski has pioneered the FishCAST program, an interdisciplinary training initiative for fisheries conservation. Her publications span from detailed cellular studies to applied ecological solutions, reflecting a commitment to bridging basic science and real-world conservation challenges.