Carolyn Bauer

Carolyn Bauer is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Swarthmore College, researching physiological plasticity in wild rodent populations. Her work examines how early-life stressors—including predation exposure and maternal separation—shape endocrine development, metabolic function, and social behavior in degus (Octodon degus). Bauer conducts field studies in Chile to investigate adaptive responses to environmental challenges.

Research integrates hormonal assays, behavioral observations, and neurobiological markers to understand stress response trajectories across lifespans. Recent publications analyze water restriction effects on arid-adapted physiology, hippocampal plasticity under glucocorticoid variation, and sibling-mediated stress buffering. Teaching emphasizes experiential learning in Animal Physiology, fostering critical analysis of homeostasis mechanisms.