Stephanie White

Stephanie White, a Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology at the College of Life Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, investigates the interplay between social behaviors and neuronal plasticity in zebra finches. Her research focuses on how vocal learning—a critical reproductive behavior—is shaped by gene expression and neural circuitry, particularly through comparative studies of sexually dimorphic brain structures.

Her recent publications highlight diverse research directions, from genomic analyses of domestication syndrome in songbirds to RNA diagnostics and clinical implications in neurodevelopmental disorders. Collaborative studies include FOXP2 transcriptional targets and microRNA regulation in vocal learning.

Stephanie’s lab employs behavioral experiments, electrophysiology, and molecular techniques to explore how social interactions modulate gene expression and neural properties. She also contributes to interdisciplinary discussions on genetics in palliative care and terminology standardization in genomics.

Contact: sawhite@ucla.edu | Lab Website