معرفی
Ari Berkowitz is a Presidential Professor and Director of Graduate Studies for biology programs at the University of Oklahoma's School of Biological Sciences. He also directs the Cellular & Behavioral Neurobiology Graduate Program. His research focuses on how the nervous system selects and generates appropriate behaviors, using the turtle spinal cord as a model to study rhythmic limb movements like scratching and swimming.
Education:
- Ph.D., Neurosciences, Washington University (1993)
- A.B., Chemistry, University of Chicago (1984)
Research Interests:
Berkowitz investigates spinal cord networks controlling limb movements in turtles, focusing on how multifunctional and specialized neurons coordinate behaviors. His work reveals shared and distinct neural circuits for swimming, scratching, and flexion reflexes.
Awards & Grants:
- President's Associates Presidential Professorship (2015-present)
- Multiple NSF and Oklahoma Center awards for spinal interneuron research
- Capranica Foundation Award in Neuroethology (1995)
Teaching:
Teaches courses like Behavioral Neurobiology, Human Physiology, and Diversity of Biological Sex Characteristics. Engages in outreach through neuroscience demonstrations at museums.
Labs/Teams:
Leads the Berkowitz Lab, focusing on spinal cord neural circuitry and motor behavior control.
