Andrew Gall

Dr. Andrew Gall serves as Associate Professor of Psychology at Hope College, where he has been a faculty member since fall 2015. He specializes in behavioral neuroscience within the Department of Psychology and actively contributes to the institution's growing neuroscience program, focusing on the intricate relationship between brain function and behavior.

His educational foundation includes:

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University (2015)
• Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Iowa (2011)
• M.A. in Psychology, University of Iowa (2006)
• B.S. in Psychology, University of Iowa (2003)

Dr. Gall's research centers on neural mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms, with particular emphasis on light-induced responses and species differences between diurnal and nocturnal animals. Using the Nile grass rat as a primary model organism, he investigates how specific brain nuclei regulate circadian functions, bridging behavioral observations with neuroanatomical structures. His work reveals fundamental principles about environmental adaptation in timekeeping systems.

Analysis of his 2013-2018 publications shows consistent focus on circadian regulation in diurnal rodents, with recurring themes of neural circuit dissection through lesion studies and behavioral assays. Key brain regions examined include the suprachiasmatic nucleus, intergeniculate leaflet, and olivary pretectal nucleus, demonstrating their critical roles in light processing and rhythm generation.

His significant scientific recognition includes:

• Towsley Research Scholar, Hope College (2018–2021)
• Caplan Foundation grant as Co-PI for preschool sleep research
• NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32) from NINDS (2013–2015)
• NIH T32 Institutional Training Grant (2012)
• Society for Research on Biological Rhythms Merit Award (2012)

Dr. Gall is deeply committed to mentoring students and advancing neuroscience education at Hope College. His externally funded research program, housed in the A. Paul Schaap Science Center, examines how environmental factors like light and temperature shape circadian behaviors through specific neural pathways. He actively participates in grant-funded projects investigating sleep development and circadian disruptions.

As a core faculty member in the neuroscience program, he collaborates with colleagues to expand research capabilities and educational opportunities, maintaining active laboratory operations focused on diurnal rodent models and circadian neurobiology.