Elizabeth Glater

Elizabeth Glater is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Pomona College, where she has been affiliated since 2014. Currently on leave for the 2025-2026 academic year, she continues to lead research on the genetic and neuronal basis of behavior using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism.

• Education: Ph.D. from Harvard University, M.A. from Brown University, B.A. with High Honors from Swarthmore College

Research Interests: Dr. Glater's work focuses on how genetic variation and environmental factors modify neural circuits to produce diverse behaviors. Her lab investigates C. elegans food choice mechanisms, olfactory recognition of pathogens, and the role of natural genetic variation in behavior.

Scientific Awards:

• National Science Foundation Research Starter Grant (2012-13) for studying genetic mechanisms of food preference

Collaborations & Teaching: Collaborates with Charles Taylor (Chemistry Department, Pomona College) to analyze odorants via SPME-GC-MS. Teaches courses like Genes and Behavior with Laboratory, Introduction to Neuroscience with Laboratory, and Senior Experimental Thesis.