Justin S Rhodes

Justin S Rhodes is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He holds affiliations with the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research focuses on neuroplasticity, behavioral neuroscience, and the molecular mechanisms underlying voluntary exercise and brain health. Key areas include studying how stress, exercise, and genetics influence brain structure and function in animal models, particularly in species like anemonefish and mice.

His work explores topics such as sex differentiation in clownfish, microglial responses to stress, and the genetic basis of voluntary wheel-running behavior. Notable contributions include transgenic fish models and insights into neuroendocrine regulation of parental care. His research bridges basic science with translational studies, addressing questions relevant to human health, aging, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Rhodes has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work emphasizing microglia biology, behavioral syndromes in marine species, and the interplay between exercise and neurogenesis. His findings highlight the importance of environmental and genetic factors in shaping brain plasticity and behavior.

He collaborates extensively with researchers globally, focusing on interdisciplinary projects that integrate genomics, neuroscience, and behavioral ecology. His lab’s work has implications for understanding conditions like autism, Alzheimer’s, and the effects of chemotherapy on cognition.