Education
- B.S. , Biology, Japan Women's University
- Ph.D, Animal Behavior, University of California at Davis. Project: Female bird song : function, physiology, and development in the Northern cardinal
- MBA, Business, University of Utah, David Eccles School of Business
Biography
In my laboratory, we study neural basis of behavior using vocalization of African clawed frogs as a model. In this species, a simplified mechanism of vocal production (independent of respiratory musculature) allows straightforward interpretations of neuronal activity with respect to behavior. Moreover, neural mechanisms of calling can be studied in vitro because fictive vocalizations can be elicited in the isolated. Furthermore, the vocalizations of Xenopus are sexually differentiated and can be rapidly masculinized/demasculinized in an androgen-dependent manner; such plasticity provides us with an unique opportunity for exploring how new behavior arises from existing neural circuits in response to steroid hormones. In my lab, we use variety of experimental techniques including electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, pharmacology, behavior, and more recently, optogenetics to understand how neural circuits generate rhythmic motor programs underlying vocal behavior in Xenopus. I mentor undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellows in my laboratory. In addition, I teach Comparative Physiology course (Biology 3320) in the Fall semesters.