We are investigating the role of learning in the social behavior of animals. The current studies focus on how learning is involved in sexual behavior. We are using domesticated quail in the research. The experiments involve studying how the animals come to anticipate sexual opportunity, how they respond to the anticipation of a sexual partner, how persistent this learned behavior is, and how it influences fertilization and reproductive success. The research is relevant for students interested in the behavioral neuroscience, animal behavior, animal cognition, and/or integration of psychological and zoological approaches to the study of behavior.

Duties:

Students will participate in the conduct of experimental procedures and the collection and analysis of the data. Most of the experiments involve observational techniques. There will be a lab meeting once a week.