Tamara Franklin

Tamara Franklin is an Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. She holds a part-time academic appointment. Her research focuses on understanding neural mechanisms underlying social interactions, with particular emphasis on epigenetic regulation and neuroconnectivity in disorders like autism and social anxiety. She completed her BSc at the University of King’s College, MSc at Dalhousie University, and PhD at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ).

Franklin’s research interests include identifying neural circuits for social engagement and how epigenetic factors influence these circuits. She uses interdisciplinary approaches combining epigenetics, in vivo electrophysiology, and animal behavior studies. Her work has implications for understanding social-related disorders and improving therapeutic strategies.

Her publications highlight investigations into HDAC2 regulation in social hierarchies, Alzheimer’s-related social deficits in 5xFAD mice, and transgenerational stress effects. Despite no listed awards, her grants and advising contributions are integral to her academic profile. She teaches courses like Measuring Behaviour (NESC/PSYO 3161) and Contemporary Issues in Neuroscience (NESC 4007).

Franklin leads the Franklin Lab, which explores causal neural mechanisms of social dysfunction. The lab integrates cutting-edge techniques to study brain circuits involved in social behavior, with a focus on translational research applicable to human psychiatric disorders.