Anna V Kukekova

Anna V Kukekova is an Associate Professor in both the Animal Sciences department and the Neuroscience Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and an Affiliate at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. Her research focuses on the genetic basis of behavior, particularly in canids, with extensive work on the famous Russian farm-fox experiment studying domestication.

Dr. Kukekova's research primarily centers on the genetics of behavior and domestication, with a focus on foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Her work spans multiple disciplines including genetics, genomics, neuroscience, and animal behavior. Key research areas include:

• Genetic basis of tame and aggressive behaviors in foxes
• Neuroanatomical differences between behaviorally-selected fox populations
• Genomic analysis of domestication processes
• Comparative genomics of canids
• Behavioral genetics of domestication syndromes

Her research combines molecular genetics, neuroanatomy, and behavioral analysis to understand how selection for behavior affects both genetic architecture and neural organization.

Analysis of Dr. Kukekova's recent publications reveals a strong focus on fox domestication genetics, neuroanatomy of behaviorally-selected fox populations, and comparative genomics. Her work often involves collaborations with researchers from the Russian farm-fox experiment, continuing the legacy of Dmitry Belyaev's pioneering work. Recent publications show increasing integration of genomic, transcriptomic, and neuroanatomical approaches to understand the biological basis of behavior.

Dr. Kukekova has made significant contributions to the field through numerous publications and datasets, including the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Y-Chromosome Sequence dataset which has been widely cited and used by other researchers. Her work has been featured in multiple news outlets, demonstrating its broader impact.

As a mentor, Dr. Kukekova has likely advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not provided in the available information. Her extensive publication record suggests active involvement in training the next generation of geneticists and neuroscientists.

Dr. Kukekova maintains laboratory facilities for genomic and neuroanatomical research, with particular expertise in canid genetics and behavior. Her work bridges multiple disciplines, connecting molecular genetics with observable behavioral phenotypes through careful experimental design and analysis.