Román Corfas

Román Corfas is an Assistant Professor of Instruction and Neuroscience Education Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin’s Department of Neuroscience. He transitioned to full-time neuroscience pedagogy in 2021, focusing on undergraduate curriculum development and teaching. Previously, his research explored insect behavior and sensory systems, including mosquito thermotaxis and fly navigation.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Neuroscience, Oberlin College
• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Rockefeller University (2010)
• Postdoctoral Research, Caltech (2015–2021)

Research Interests: Neuroscience education innovation, neuroethology of insect behavior, and sensory integration mechanisms in mosquitoes and fruit flies. His work bridges basic research on animal behavior with educational strategies to enhance STEM accessibility and engagement.

Publications: Recent work emphasizes behavioral neuroscience (e.g., Drosophila navigation) and mosquito host-seeking mechanisms, reflecting his dual focus on research and pedagogy.

Teaching & Curriculum: Leads introductory neuroscience courses and collaborates with the Neuroscience Department to modernize undergraduate curricula.