Sophie Caron

Sophie Caron is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah, where she leads a research laboratory investigating fundamental mechanisms of brain function using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Her work focuses on how the brain generates internal representations of the external world, stores memories, and translates these into behavior through multisensory integration.

Education:

• B.S. from Université de Montréal
• Ph.D. from New York University

Dr. Caron's research centers on the Drosophila mushroom body—a critical brain center for learning and memory—with emphasis on multisensory integration mechanisms. Her lab investigates how the brain combines information from multiple sensory modalities (olfaction, vision, etc.) to form unified percepts, challenging traditional views of sensory processing. Key discoveries include the demonstration that mushroom body connectivity follows near-random patterns that maximize memory capacity, and the identification of cross-modal sensory pathways beyond olfaction. Current work explores evolutionary adaptations in neural circuits across Drosophila species and developmental mechanisms establishing sensory wiring.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2024) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) high-resolution mapping of Kenyon cell inputs using advanced techniques like dye electroporation, (2) computational modeling of how connectivity patterns shape sensory representation and learning, and (3) evolutionary studies of circuit architecture across Drosophila species. Her work consistently bridges experimental neuroanatomy with theoretical frameworks, emphasizing the interplay between random and structured wiring principles in neural circuit design.

Scientific Awards:

• NSF CAREER Award (2021) for research on brain size evolution and neuronal circuit adaptation

Dr. Caron mentors graduate students in the University of Utah's Molecular Biology Program and directs an active laboratory utilizing genetic, imaging, and behavioral approaches. Her research program is supported by competitive grants including the NSF CAREER award, with collaborations spanning neuroscience and evolutionary biology. Current projects investigate multisensory integration mechanisms, evolutionary drivers of neural circuit specialization, and developmental basis of sensory wiring.

The Caron Lab maintains specialized facilities for Drosophila neurogenetics, advanced microscopy, and behavioral analysis. Her team collaborates with the University of Utah's Brain Institute and Center for Cell and Genome Science, contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives in neural circuit mapping and evolutionary neuroscience. Ongoing work explores how sensory representations evolve in response to ecological pressures and how circuit architecture enables flexible behavior in complex environments.