We study the development, function and evolution of pre-vertebrate chordate nervous systems .
Understanding the mechanisms by which nervous systems develop and operate in order to collect information from the external world and generate a coordinated behavioural output is one of the most exciting problems in biological research. From a neuroethological perspective, identifying novel adaptations that have a transformative outcome on the development and function of the nervous system across diverse animal species presents an equally exciting challenge. Our lab works at the interface of neurobiology and evolution using marine invertebrate chordates.
Group picture February 2024. Photo credit: Melanie Burford
The SAC visits our facility. Photo credit: Melanie Burford