Elizabeth McCullagh
Department of Integrative Biology
Oklahoma State University

New insights into binaural hearing from animal models of Fragile X Syndrome

The goal of the McCullagh lab is to understand how the brain processes sound location information. We explore central sound source processing three ways: 1. By manipulating the brain using modern neuroscience techniques such as optogenetics, neural circuit tracing, physiological auditory brainstem responses, and spatial acuity behavior – the physiology and behavior being directly translatable to humans, 2. Using disorders, such as autism (Fragile X Syndrome), with auditory deficits to understand how the auditory brain functions both in these disorders and underlying processing of auditory information in health 3. Using novel model organisms and their unique adaptations to their environment to better understand how the brainstem evolves to suit an organism’s unique challenges for processing sound source information. These different areas of research work in synergy to probe (1) and understand (2,3) how the brain processes sound location information using integrative, translational, and multidisciplinary approaches.

A pizza lunch will be served. Please bring your own beverage!