Yehuda Ben-Shahar

Yehuda Ben-Shahar is a Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, where he has served since 2008. His research integrates behavioral, genetic, genomic, and molecular approaches to investigate the genetic architectures underlying animal behavior, primarily using Drosophila melanogaster and honey bees as model systems. He maintains laboratory facilities at the Bayer Laboratory (Room 406) and conducts field research at the Tyson Research Center.

Ben-Shahar earned his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on how specific genes in neuronal circuits govern behaviors like feeding and mating decisions, with significant contributions to understanding honey bee social behavior evolution. Recent work centers on the gut microbiome's role in nestmate recognition and developing genetic tools for non-model insects.

His publication record reveals consistent innovation in behavioral genetics, with recent emphasis shifting toward microbial influences on social behavior and neural circuit analysis. Early work established foundational insights into gene-behavior relationships, while current research explores chemosensory mechanisms across insect and mammalian systems.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Multiple Faculty of 1000 'Must read' designations (2002, 2007, 2009)
• Cover features in Science (2009) and Journal of Experimental Biology (2002)
• 'Mutant of the Month' in Nature Genetics (2006)
• Extensive media coverage including NPR, CBC Radio, and major newspapers

Ben-Shahar mentors graduate students including Cassie Vernier (whose 2020 Science Advances paper defined gut microbiome roles in hive membership) and has supervised numerous undergraduates. His lab operates through collaborative grants supporting research at the intersection of genetics, neuroscience, and social behavior.

The Ben-Shahar Lab maintains active research teams at the Bayer Laboratory for molecular work and the Tyson Research Center for honey bee studies, with recent projects involving cyborg locust development and odor-guided navigation research.