Catherine Marler is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she leads the Marler Lab focused on the Biology of Brain and Behavior. Her research program investigates the intricate connections between endocrine systems and social behaviors, with particular emphasis on how hormones like testosterone and oxytocin shape complex social interactions in monogamous mammals. Dr. Marler's research primarily utilizes the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) as a model organism, capitalizing on its unique monogamous, biparental, and territorial nature. Her work spans both laboratory and field settings, allowing for comprehensive investigation of neuroendocrine mechanisms in naturalistic contexts. Key research themes include the role of testosterone in territorial behavior and winner effects, oxytocin's influence on pair bonding and parental behavior, and the neural substrates of ultrasonic vocalizations. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on conditioned place preferences related to testosterone pulses, oxytocin's effects on social behaviors across different developmental stages, and the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying aggression and pair bonding. Her work demonstrates how social experience, environmental context, and endocrine systems interact to shape complex behavioral outcomes, with particular attention to sex differences and transgenerational transmission of behaviors. Dr. Marler has published extensively in top journals including Hormones and Behavior, Proceedings of the Royal Society, and Animal Behaviour, with her most recent work appearing in high-impact venues throughout 2023-2025. Her research program represents a sophisticated integration of behavioral observation, endocrine manipulation, and neural analysis to unravel the mechanisms underlying social behavior in mammals. As an advisor, Dr. Marler mentors students in behavioral neuroscience and endocrinology, fostering research that bridges laboratory and field approaches to understand the evolution and mechanisms of social behavior. Her lab maintains a strong commitment to rigorous scientific methodology and innovative experimental design in the study of neuroendocrine-behavior relationships.
Dr. Marie Monfils is Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin, where she leads the Monfils Memory Lab in the Department of Psychology within the College of Liberal Arts. Her research focuses on understanding fear memory mechanisms and developing interventions to attenuate maladaptive fear memories. Dr. Monfils received her Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience from the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience and conducted a postdoctoral fellowship at New York University. Her work bridges basic rodent models with translational applications for anxiety, trauma-related, and addiction disorders. Her research program investigates three primary streams: Post-consolidation manipulations that can persistently attenuate fear memories Factors underlying affiliative kinship and social transmission of information Individual differences and their impact on fear attenuation Her work integrates behavioral, neural, and molecular approaches to understand memory modification processes, with particular focus on reconsolidation and extinction mechanisms. Dr. Monfils' publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding fear memory mechanisms. Her recent work examines CO2 reactivity as a biomarker for treatment response, social transmission of fear in rodent models, and optimizing fear attenuation techniques through reconsolidation-extinction interactions. Her research spans both basic neuroscience and clinical applications, with implications for improving exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. 2025: Published work on neural mechanisms of social learning, mechanisms of change in exposure therapy, and social context as a source of variability 2024: Published research on fear attenuation collaborations, carbon dioxide reactivity predicting fear expression, and social transmission dynamics 2023: Published updates on reconsolidation-extinction interactions, estrous cycle effects on behavior, and retrieval-extinction effects on alcohol seeking Dr. Monfils actively mentors graduate students and is accepting applicants for Fall 2026 and 2027. Her lab follows rats through their lifespan with a commitment to humane treatment, euthanizing only when necessary to minimize suffering or at the end of life. She acknowledges the Indigenous lands of Turtle Island where her research takes place, specifically recognizing the Alabama-Coushatta, Caddo, Carrizo/Comecrudo, Coahuiltecan, Comanche, Kickapoo, Lipan Apache, Tonkawa and Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo.
Rosemary C. Bagot is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Neurogenomics (Tier II) at McGill University's Department of Psychology. Her research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying stress susceptibility and resilience in depression using multidisciplinary approaches. She employs techniques such as optogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and next-generation sequencing in rodent models to dissect brain circuit dysfunction. Her work integrates behavioral neuroscience with genomics to identify molecular and circuit-level markers of depression vulnerability. Key contributions include uncovering predictive signatures of stress susceptibility in the nucleus accumbens and delineating gene networks mediating resilience. The Bagot Lab at McGill combines electrophysiology, chemogenetics, and advanced imaging to advance translational insights into mood disorders. Awards: Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier II (Behavioural Neurogenomics) Labs: Bagot Lab (McGill University) Research Themes: Brain plasticity, epigenetic programming, antidepressant mechanisms Dr. Bagot's research bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications, emphasizing the development of biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for depression.
Associate Professor Jay Bertran-Gonzalez is a faculty member in the School of Psychology at The University of New South Wales (UNSW), where he serves as Director of the Australasian Course in Advanced Neuroscience (ACAN) and Deputy Director of the Decision Neuroscience Laboratory. His work focuses on neuromodulatory systems, striatal circuits, and goal-directed behavior, with particular interests in aging, synaptic plasticity, and dopamine/cholinergic signaling. Education: PhD in Biomedical Research (Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 2010); Master of Biomedical Research (INSERM, 2007); Graduation Project (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 2006). His research explores how striatal circuits integrate neuromodulatory signals to control action selection, aging-related cognitive decline, and molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity. Recent work examines lipid signaling in memory and cortico-basal ganglia interactions in behavioral adaptation. Key trends in his 15 most recent articles include striatal neuroplasticity, aging and cognition, GPCR-mediated memory processes, and dopamine-cholinergic interneuron interactions. Collaborative networks span institutions like QBI, Columbia University, and the University of Geneva. Scientific Awards: ARC DECRA (2016), UNSW Dean of Science Early Career Award (2020), Goldstar Award (2018), and more. He has secured significant grants, including NHMRC Ideas Grants (2024, 2023) and ARC Future Fellowship (2021-2024). He teaches NEUR3221 Neurophysiology and PSYC4103, and coordinates ACAN's Systems Neuroscience & Behaviour Theme. As Head of the Neuromodulatory Systems & Behaviour Team and a member of the Australasian Neuroscience Society Council, he bridges research, education, and cross-institutional collaboration.
Anna Taylor, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology within the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. She holds the Canada Research Chair in Pain and Addiction and the Alberta Cancer Foundation Chair in Palliative Care, and is a member of both the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute and the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta. Dr. Taylor completed her doctoral training at the McGill Pain Center followed by postdoctoral research at UCLA's Hatos Center for Opioid Pharmacology. Her educational background established a foundation in pain mechanisms and opioid pharmacology that directly informs her current research program. Her research critically examines how chronic pain alters affective and cognitive brain regions, with particular focus on interactions between pain pathways, opioid systems, and emotional processing. Key areas include neuroinflammation in pain chronification, gut microbiome-pain interactions, sex differences in pain and addiction, and the development of non-addictive analgesics targeting alternative opioid pathways. Her work consistently employs sophisticated rodent models to dissect neural circuitry underlying pain and reward. Analysis of her recent publications reveals an accelerating focus on neuroimmune mechanisms and sex-specific pain processing, with growing emphasis on the gut-brain axis. A defining trend is her investigation of non-canonical opioid agonists as safer alternatives to traditional opioids - research that directly addresses the dual crises of chronic pain management and the opioid epidemic through mechanistic innovation. Dr. Taylor's significant contributions to pain and addiction research have been recognized through prestigious appointments: Canada Research Chair in Pain and Addiction Alberta Cancer Foundation Chair in Palliative Care She actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows while securing competitive research funding from national agencies. Her collaborative approach spans neuroscience, immunology, and clinical pain medicine, with particular emphasis on translating basic findings into improved therapeutic strategies for pain and addiction disorders. The Taylor Lab operates as a multidisciplinary hub within the Medical Sciences Building, integrating molecular, behavioral, and neuroanatomical approaches to study pain's emotional dimensions. Current team projects investigate central amygdala neuroinflammation in pain hypersensitivity, microbiome-mediated modulation of opioid responses, and sex chromosome effects on pain processing - all aimed at developing targeted interventions for chronic pain conditions.
Ruth C. Newberry is a Professor of Ethology in the Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). She holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and has held research positions at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Washington State University before joining NMBU in 2013. She is a leading scholar in applied ethology and animal welfare science. Her research focuses on behavioral development, environmental enrichment, play behavior, and the assessment of positive affective states in animals. She has conducted extensive studies on diverse species including pigs, poultry, dogs, cats, goats, grizzly bears, and laboratory rodents. Her work integrates developmental plasticity, behavioral ecology, and welfare science to improve animal well-being in agricultural and captive settings. The trends in her recent publications show a strong emphasis on positive animal welfare, behavioral adaptability, and the long-term impacts of early life experiences. Her research spans from fundamental behavioral mechanisms to applied solutions in commercial farming systems, with a growing focus on human-animal interactions and their mutual benefits. Poultry Science Association's Poultry Welfare Research Award ISAE's Creativity Award Ruth Newberry has supervised numerous graduate students and collaborated widely across institutions. Her research has been supported by grants related to animal welfare assessment, environmental enrichment, and behavioral development. She has contributed to national and international guidelines, including the Canadian Code of Practice for Poultry. She leads current projects on environmental enrichment for broiler chickens, positive emotions in pigs, and behavioral plasticity in dogs. She is actively involved in scientific communities, having served as President of the International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) and as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Animal Science. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in animal husbandry and welfare policy.
Prof. Dr. Sabine Begall is a Researcher at the Department of General Zoology , Faculty of Biology , University of Duisburg-Essen. With over 25 years of experience, she focuses on the sensory ecology of subterranean mammals, particularly Fukomys anselli , exploring magnetoreception , acoustic communication , visual adaptations , and physiological responses to underground environments . Key Research Areas: Subterranean mammal sensory ecology Thyroid hormone regulation in aging Magnetic field orientation mechanisms Comparative auditory and visual systems Domestication syndrome in rodents Evolutionary adaptations in burrowing species Recent Article Trends: 2025 study on retinal ganglion cell diversity in microphthalmic mammals 2024 thyroid hormone and hypoxia research in mole-rats 2023 comparative analyses of burrow acoustics and dental structures Scientific Awards: Honor for outstanding dissertation (2001), University of Essen Fritz Frank Prize (2001), German Society for Mammalogy She serves as a reviewer for journals including Journal of Morphology , Animal Behaviour , and Scientific Reports , and has contributed to major publications on subterranean rodent ecology.
Associate Professor Kai-Hsiang Chuang is a Principal Research Fellow at the School of Biomedical Sciences within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Queensland. He is also affiliated with the Queensland Brain Institute and the Centre for Advanced Imaging. His research focuses on understanding brain networks, developing advanced imaging techniques, and translating these findings to improve diagnosis and intervention for neurological disorders. Dr. Chuang received his Ph.D. in electrical and biomedical engineering from the National Taiwan University, Taiwan, in 2001. His doctoral research focused on improving the detection of brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Ph.D. in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University (2001) Dr. Chuang's research spans multiple areas of brain imaging and neuroscience. His primary focus is on functional brain mapping , where he develops in vivo imaging techniques including functional MRI and multimodal integration with optogenetics, calcium imaging, and electrophysiology. He applies these techniques in both humans and animal models to improve understanding and intervention of brain function, disease processes, and treatment effects. Another key area is brain networks in learning, memory, and dementia . His work explores how brain network wiring and activity underpin cognition and behavior, with particular focus on understanding the causal relationship between brain network activity and memory formation. He develops techniques to modulate behavior by manipulating brain network activity. More recently, Dr. Chuang has expanded into brain waste clearance research, studying the brain's fluid drainage system that clears waste and toxic molecules like amyloid plaques. His lab is developing imaging techniques to track this system's function and understand its regulatory mechanisms, which could provide new treatment targets for dementia. Analysis of Dr. Chuang's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advancing functional MRI techniques for brain network analysis, particularly in rodent models. His work consistently bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications, especially in understanding memory formation and dementia. A notable trend is the development of multimodal approaches that combine fMRI with optogenetics, calcium imaging, and electrophysiology to establish causal relationships in brain networks. His research increasingly addresses the translation of preclinical findings to human applications, with growing emphasis on Alzheimer's disease mechanisms and potential interventions. Dr. Chuang serves on the editorial boards of multiple prestigious journals including Frontiers in Neuroscience: Brain Imaging Methods , Imaging Neuroscience , and Scientific Reports , reflecting his standing in the field. Editorial Board Member, Frontiers in Neuroscience: Brain Imaging Methods Editorial Board Member, Imaging Neuroscience Editorial Board Member, Scientific Reports Dr. Chuang is actively involved in research supervision, currently serving as Principal Advisor for one PhD student working on "Developing imaging and neuro-technologies for decoding memory formation" and Associate Advisor for two other PhD projects. He has successfully completed supervision of three PhD students on topics related to resting-state networks, memory consolidation, and functional MRI. ARC Discovery Projects (2024-2028): "Decoding the brain network of memory formation" ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology (2017-2024) NHMRC-NIH BRAIN Initiative Collaborative Research Grants (2016-2023) Universities Australia - Germany Joint Research Co-operation Scheme (2017-2018) Mater Medical Research Institute Limited grant for mindfulness-based cognitive therapy research (2017-2020) Dr. Chuang leads the Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Group at the Queensland Brain Institute. His laboratory focuses on understanding the functional connectome of the brain and developing functional and molecular imaging techniques to study brain connectivity associated with behavior. The group has developed various MRI techniques to track neuronal connections, map large-scale brain synchrony, and quantify cerebral blood flow and metabolism in vivo. His research team collaborates extensively with other experts at UQ and internationally, including collaborations with Associate Professor Darryl Eyles, Professor Jürgen Götz, Professor Tianzi Jiang, Dr. Fatima Nasrallah, Professor Linda J. Richards, Professor Pankaj Sah, Professor Elizabeth Coulson, Dr. Patricio Opazo, Professor Feng Liu, and Professor Markus Barth.
Nicole Gervais, PhD is an Assistant Professor and Rosalind Franklin Fellow in behavioural and cognitive neuroscience at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering. She is affiliated with the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) and the Faculty of Medical Sciences/UMCG's Cognition, Ageing and Disease (CAD) research group. Dr. Gervais leads the Memory, Sleep, and Hormones (MeSH) lab, which focuses on translational research examining how sex differences and hormonal changes affect brain health. Dr. Gervais earned her PhD in Psychology/Behavioural Neuroscience from Concordia University in Montréal, Québec. She completed postdoctoral training at institutions in Amherst, Massachusetts, USA and Toronto, Canada. Before joining the University of Groningen in September 2023, she held a Research Associate position at the Rotman Research Institute and University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. Her research program explores diversity in vulnerability to neuropsychiatric conditions and responses to therapeutics, with particular focus on how individual factors (especially sex) and environmental conditions contribute to neuropsychiatric disease and treatment effectiveness. She investigates sleep-wake patterns, social interactions, and cognition across species to understand how hormonal transitions like menopause affect brain health. Her work has significant implications for understanding why certain neurological and psychiatric conditions disproportionately affect women. Dr. Gervais's publications reveal a strong focus on the intersection of sex differences, sleep physiology, and cognitive function. Her recent work examines how early ovarian removal affects hippocampal function, memory, and sleep architecture. She employs both human studies and rodent models to investigate these questions, using techniques including neuroimaging (MRI), sleep physiology measurements, behavioral assessments, hormone quantification, and pharmacological manipulations. Rosalind Franklin Fellowship Dr. Gervais serves as an editor for special issues of the journal Hormones and Behavior. Her research has received significant attention, with multiple publications covered in international media outlets. Her work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to good health and well-being. She has published over 27 research outputs including articles, preprints, editorials, and review articles, with many receiving substantial citations and media coverage. Dr. Gervais directs the Memory, Sleep, and Hormones (MeSH) lab, which takes a translational approach to studying how major hormone changes interact with genes to increase vulnerability for developing insomnia and its adverse consequences for the aging female brain. The lab uses complementary research in rodents and humans, employing touchscreen tasks with high translational value to assess cognitive function in rodents and EEG recordings to assess sleep. Their research has important implications for understanding and treating conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as insomnia and Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Kiran Soma is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a member of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and the Graduate Program in Neuroscience. He investigates how steroid hormones regulate neural circuits, behavior, and immune function, with a focus on neurosteroids and immunosteroids. Education: PhD in Psychology from the University of Washington (2000), BA from Stanford University. Research Interests : Dr. Soma’s work spans behavioural neuroscience , neuroendocrinology , and neuroethology , examining how hormones like glucocorticoids, estrogens, and androgens influence aggression, executive function, and stress responses. His lab employs advanced techniques such as LC-MS/MS for steroid profiling and collaborates with experts in immunology, nutrition, and cancer research. Recent Publications highlight the impact of maternal diet on offspring steroid levels, the role of neurosteroids in aggression and brain function, and mechanisms of glucocorticoid synthesis in immune tissues. His studies often bridge comparative animal models (songbirds, rodents) with human applications , such as stress biomarker development. Scientific Awards : Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring (2020) APS James McKeen Cattell Fellowship (2017) AAAS Fellow (2015) Killam Faculty Research Prize (2012) Killam Faculty Research Fellowship (2010) Advising & Grants : Dr. Soma has mentored numerous PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students, including AAAS Fellows and Killam recipients. His research is supported by CIHR , NSERC , CFI , and HHMI , with a focus on cutting-edge infrastructure like the lab’s LC-MS/MS system . Labs & Collaborations : The Soma Laboratory at UBC studies neurosteroids and immunosteroids using multidisciplinary approaches. The lab collaborates with institutions globally, including the University of Rennes and NIH, and provides steroid analysis services via ultrasensitive LC-MS/MS.
Dr. Phoebe Mayne is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), The University of Queensland. Her research focuses on the intersection of vitamin D biology, synaptic plasticity, and neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. She investigates how environmental and molecular factors influence brain function, including studies on perineuronal nets and sex differences in decision-making behaviors in rodent models. Affiliation: Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland Her work bridges neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and clinical research. Key areas include vitamin D deficiency's impact on brain outcomes, synaptic mechanisms underlying cognitive function, and gender-specific neurobehavioral processes. Dr. Mayne holds a PhD from The University of Queensland (2024), where her thesis explored perineuronal nets' roles in spatial learning and schizophrenia-related deficits. She has contributed to high-impact publications in journals like Trends in Neurosciences and Behavioural Brain Research .
Siobhan Abeyesinghe is an Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science and Head of the RVC Animal Welfare Science and Ethics group at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). She holds a BSc from the University of Newcastle (1994), an MSc from the University of Edinburgh (1995), and a PhD from the University of Bristol (2000). Her research focuses on poultry welfare, cognition, and welfare assessment methodologies, with a strong emphasis on ethical considerations in animal management. Key projects include investigating broiler chicken welfare across breeds, improving welfare in cage-free systems, and advancing humane slaughter practices. She leads collaborative initiatives with industry partners (e.g., Innovate UK-funded projects like Envirobot) and has received the Worshipful Company of Poulters' 2002 Prize for poultry science contributions. Her teaching spans animal welfare science, ethics, and veterinary education, supported by a Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Education (Distinction) and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Her research interests bridge fundamental and applied science, addressing welfare challenges in poultry, companion animals, and laboratory species. Current projects include evaluating slower-growing broiler breeds' welfare-sustainability trade-offs and developing AI-driven monitoring systems for poultry welfare. She also explores canine welfare, such as quality of life in dogs with vision loss. External roles include Council Member of the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare and Trustee for the Humane Slaughter Association. Education: BSc Animal Science, University of Newcastle (1994) MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare, University of Edinburgh (1995) PhD, University of Bristol (2000) External Roles: Council Member, Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Trustee, Humane Slaughter Association Scientific Research Committee Member, British Hen Welfare Trust External Examiner, University of Bristol BScVS Her work emphasizes translating science into practice, with public engagement projects like the National Science Week 'Inside Chicken Run' event and collaborations with BBC documentaries. She supervises postgraduate students focusing on topics like regenerative poultry systems, broiler welfare, and canine vision loss. Her research has informed farm animal welfare policy, including contributions to the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) Report on Education and Knowledge Application.
Danielle N. Lee is an American assistant professor of biology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, renowned for her science blogging and outreach efforts focused on increasing minority participation in STEM fields. Her work bridges behavioral ecology, urban ecology, and mammalogy with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in science. Education: B.S. in Biology from Tennessee Technological University (1996) M.S. from University of Memphis (2000) Ph.D. in Biology from University of Missouri-St. Louis (2010) Dr. Lee's research focuses on the connections between ecology and evolution and their contribution to animal behavior, with special emphasis on rodent behavior in both urban and rural settings. Her current research examines behavioral differences in African giant pouched rats and small rodents across urban gradients in the St. Louis Metropolitan region. A significant portion of her work explores how urban environments shape animal behavior and the ecological implications of these adaptations. Her research has taken her to Tanzania to study landmine-sniffing African giant pouched rats as a National Geographic Emerging Explorer. Lee's publication record reveals a strong trajectory combining traditional ecological research with innovative approaches to science communication and diversity in STEM. Her recent work increasingly integrates social justice perspectives with ecological research, as evidenced by publications like "Recreating Wakanda by promoting Black excellence in ecology and evolution" and "Diversity and inclusion activisms in animal behaviour." Her scholarly output demonstrates a growing emphasis on the intersection of science communication, diversity initiatives, and traditional ecological research. Scientific Awards and Honors: White House Champions of Change – STEM Access & Diversity Diversity Scholar, American Institute of Biological Sciences (2009) EBONY POWER 100 – Social Media Influencer (2014) The Grio 100's Class of 2014 - Science & Technology Leader TED Fellow (2015) National Geographic Emerging Explorers (2017) Plenary Speaker at annual British Ecological Society meeting (2018) Dr. Lee has been a dedicated mentor and science communicator, founding initiatives like the National Science and Technology News Service to increase STEM interest in the African-American community. Through her blogs "Urban Science Adventures!" and "The Urban Scientist" on Scientific American, she has connected scientific concepts with underrepresented communities, particularly African-American youth. She actively participated in the #ShutDownSTEM and #ShutDownAcademia initiative in 2020, advocating for racial justice in academic spaces. Her mentorship extends beyond traditional academic advising to include community outreach, social media engagement, and creating platforms for underrepresented voices in science. Dr. Lee has been involved with research teams studying rodent behavior across urban gradients in the St. Louis area and has collaborated with international teams researching African giant pouched rats in Tanzania. Her work with the "Wild Life of Our Homes" project has connected her with interdisciplinary teams examining urban ecology and animal behavior in human-dominated landscapes.
Dr. Erin Campbell is a behavioral neuroscientist at the University of Newcastle , currently holding a DECRA Fellowship within the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy . With a career spanning multiple prestigious institutions including the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and University of Melbourne , her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorder and stress-related relapse . Her work employs advanced techniques like optogenetics , chemogenetics , and neural tracing to map brain circuits involved in addiction and compulsive behaviors. PhD in Anatomy from University of Newcastle BPsych (Hons) from University of Newcastle Dr. Campbell's research investigates alcohol-seeking relapse mechanisms , stress-induced binge eating , and orexin system functionality . Her work spans neural circuit mapping, neurotransmitter analysis, and translational studies with clinical implications. She's particularly interested in context-induced relapse , sex differences in addiction , and environmental enrichment effects on recovery. Her publication record shows a strong focus on insular cortex , nucleus accumbens shell , and lateral hypothalamus research. Key themes include glutamatergic projections , opioid receptor antagonists , and serotonin receptor targets . Her recent grant funding includes NARSAD Young Investigator Grants and DECRA Fellowship for AUD research. 2025: $107,931 NARSAD grant for serotonin-targeted AUD treatments 2022: $437,403 ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award 2019: $772,521 NHMRC project grant 2018: $100,000 Perpetual Limited grant for suvorexant AUD research Dr. Campbell actively supervises 8 completed and 4 ongoing research projects , mentoring students in behavioral neuroscience , stress-related compulsivity , and reward-seeking mechanisms . Her teaching experience includes guest lectures at Victoria University and University of Melbourne on neuroscience of behavior and clinical genetics .
Dr. Zenon Czenze is a Senior Lecturer in Vertebrate Zoology at the School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England. His research focuses on comparative ecophysiology, examining how natural history traits and ecological factors influence thermoregulation in mammals and birds through field and laboratory studies. Education: B.Sc. (Honors) - Saint Mary's University (2011) M.Sc. - University of Winnipeg (2013) Ph.D. - University of Auckland (2018) Research explores three primary themes: impacts of heatwaves on small endotherms; thermal roost preferences in captive and free-ranging species; and natural pest control by bats in agricultural systems. His work integrates physiological measurements with ecological observations to understand climate change impacts on species like bats, birds, and marsupials. Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on thermal adaptations across taxa, with emphasis on evaporative cooling mechanisms, heat tolerance limits, and seasonal thermoregulation strategies in arid-adapted species. Studies frequently employ innovative field techniques to measure physiological responses under natural conditions. Dr. Czenze leads a research group focused on vertebrate thermal ecology and welcomes new students interested in physiological ecology and conservation biology.
