| Neuroscience is
a broad field that aims to understand the brain and the nervous
system. It includes the study of brain development, sensation
and perception, learning and memory, neurological and psychiatric
disorders, and molecules, cells, and genes responsible for
nervous system functioning. Faculty research interests range
from molecular neurobiology and neural and behavioral systems,
to analysis and modeling of neurons. Research approaches
include both the theoretical and the experimental.
The neuroscience
research conducted in the department has a strong emphasis
on sensory biology with research programs aimed at investigating
chemical sensory systems and visual systems in both mammals
and invertebrates. There is also research designed to understand
the molecular mechanisms of neurulation in zebrafish.
In
addition to the neuroscience research conducted on campus,
UMBC students have access to the research program at the
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC), a component
of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland,
Baltimore, which is located in close proximity to UMBC.
Lin, Weihong
We study chemical sensations mediated by olfactory and trigeminal systems in the nose cavity, using methods of electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging, immunocytochemistry, and molecular biology in mice. Ogura, Tatsuya
We study chemical sensations mediated by taste buds in the tongue, using methods of electrophysiology, functional imaging, immunocytochemistry, in transgenic mice. Robinson, Phyllis
My research program is interested in vision and the molecules that convert light into a biological signal. Brewster, Rachel
We are investigating the regulation of brain development and metabolism. These studies are expected to contribute to the prevention of neural tube birth defects and the treatment of stroke. Cronin, Thomas
We study the neurobiological adaptations of animals that allow them to see and perform their required functions in the habitats they encounter. This field is generally called visual ecology. Hanson, Frank
Physiological basis of behavior of simple animals such as insects. More specifically, our interests include the sensory control of feeding behavior and the basis of feeding specifictiy. Lohr, Bernard
Our research investigates the behavioral and physiological characteristics of the auditory system in vertebrates, especially birds. |
