Annegret Falkner

Annegret Falkner is an Assistant Professor at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute (Princeton University). Her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior, social affective states, and hormone-dependent neuroplasticity in adults. She holds a BA in Biology and Biochemistry from Oberlin College (2002), a PhD in Neuroscience from Columbia University (2012), and completed postdoctoral training at NYU. Her work integrates experimental and computational approaches to study aggression circuits, social learning, and stress responses.

Education:

• B.A. Biology & Biochemistry, Oberlin College (2002)
• PhD in Neuroscience, Columbia University (2012)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, NYU (2012–2016)

Research Interests: Dr. Falkner’s lab investigates how neural circuits mediate social interactions, aggression, and hormonal influences on behavior. Key themes include:

• Neuroendocrine regulation of social motivation
• Aggression circuits and behavioral persistence
• Neural substrates of social learning
• Stress and resilience mechanisms

Her recent studies explore dopamine’s role in resilience, oxytocin’s role in maternal behavior, and computational tools for multi-animal tracking.

Recent Research Trends: Her articles highlight advancements in aggression circuit dissection, neuroendocrine systems analysis, and behavioral tracking technologies. Work on the lateral habenula and dopaminergic signatures underscores her focus on stress and resilience pathways.

Lab & Collaborations: Her lab employs rodent models, electrophysiology, and machine learning (e.g., SLEAP system). Collaborations emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to neurobehavioral problems.