Justin Kenney

Dr. Justin Kenney is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Wayne State University. He conducts cutting-edge research using zebrafish and mice to investigate fear memory mechanisms, whole-brain imaging, and neural network analysis. His lab website (kenneylab.com) and Twitter account (@Fish4Brains) reflect his commitment to modern neuroscience methodologies.

• PhD in Psychology/Neuroscience (2010) from Temple University
• BS in Physics and BA in Philosophy from Case Western Reserve University (2003)

Dr. Kenney's research focuses on individual behavioral differences, neural network dynamics, and advanced imaging techniques like light-sheet microscopy. His work establishes zebrafish as a powerful model for studying fear-related behaviors and brain-wide functional networks. Recent publications demonstrate his leadership in creating 3D zebrafish brain atlases and investigating chemogenetic effects on memory consolidation.

Dr. Kenney teaches Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology (BIO4690/BIO6490) and Research Practice courses (BIO4990/BIO6890). His Human Frontiers Science Program fellowship supports his innovative work, which has been featured in university spotlights examining minnow brain function to understand human cognition.

His network-based approach combines graph theoretical analysis with in vivo validation to identify memory consolidation hubs. This methodology has revealed critical roles for hippocampal-thalamic circuits and lateral septal nuclei in contextual fear memory, advancing both theoretical understanding and experimental validation of brain networks.