Mentor Areas
Why animals behave differently across species? What happens in their genes and nervous system that mediates the evolution of novel behaviors? Endless forms most beautiful - Our lab study the genetic and neural processes underlying behavioral diversity. Drosophila species display an amazing diversity in their courtship ritual, which often involves dancing and singing. We use the rapidly evolving Drosophila courtship behaviors as our model system, and take a highly integrative approach spanning genetics, molecular biology and neurobiology, to address the question.
Description:
Project is tailored based on interests, expertise, and availability. Possible projects include neurogenetic manipulation of behaviors, behavioral recording, and machine-learning based behavioral quantification.
Preferred Qualifications
Students with a genuine interest in our research topics are encouraged to apply. The student may start at any time during the academic year or summer session. We are also looking for student(s) with engineering background to develop behavioral rig.
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. Ding Lab
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year
Academic Term
Summer, Fall, Spring
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.