Explore Dr. Julie Miller's Lab website to learn more!
Faculty Director: Julie E. Miller, PhD
Location: Gould Simpson, Room 421 main lab
Key Personnel: Reed Bjork (Neuroscience PhD student); Undergraduates Sydrah Damir (NSCS major), Famesh Patel (NSCS major), Arpita Gulati (NSCS major), and Madeleine Daly (NSCS major)
Research Focus: Work in the WINGSS laboratory focuses on the identification and characterization of molecular and cellular pathways in the brain that support speech mechanisms particularly the impact of normative aging and Parkinson's disease. We carry out these investigations in the zebra finch songbird model which shares a number of similarities to human vocal learning and production. Methods include a combination of behavioral, molecular, biochemical, electrophysiological and bioinformatic approaches that enable us to link changes at the molecular/cellular levels to alterations in neural circuits for song behavior.
Student Roles:
- Opportunities for undergraduate enrollment in directed research or honors thesis research
- Tasks include: bird care, vocal analyses, and carrying out biological techniques including immunohistochemistry
Prerequisites: None
Preferences: First-years or sophomores
Currently accepting students? No