Michael Numan

Michael Numan is a Research Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of New Mexico, specializing in Cognition, Brain, and Behavior. His research focuses on neural mechanisms underlying parental behavior, particularly maternal behavior in mammals, integrating neuroendocrinology, neuroanatomy, and behavioral neuroscience.

His work explores hormonal regulation (e.g., oxytocin, dopamine) and brain regions like the medial preoptic area, ventral tegmental area, and amygdala. He investigates how neural circuits mediate maternal-infant bonding, alloparental tolerance, and social behavior across species, including rodents and primates.

Key themes include the evolutionary and developmental basis of parental behavior, neurochemical modulation of caregiving, and the interplay between sensory inputs and motivational processes. His studies employ techniques like c-Fos immunocytochemistry, lesion analysis, and functional MRI to map neural pathways.

No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but his extensive publications reflect significant contributions to the field. He collaborates with research centers like the Psychology Clinical Neuroscience Center (PCNC) and the Center for the Study of Tobacco Algebra and Addiction (CASAA). His research has theoretical and applied implications for understanding social behaviors and maternal health.