Evolutionary Biology

In the basic science mode of cellular disturbance as the irreducible source of all diseases, the Department's comparative and evolutionary neurobiologists bring molecular and genetic perspectives to analysis of the central nervous system through mammalian and nonmammalian (vertebrate and invertebrate) models of cellular structure and function, synaptic processing and encoding of sensory information, and organization of ascending neural pathways. Collectively encompassing a wide array of sensory systems and phylogenetically important taxa, this body of work illuminates and documents the architecture, development, and plasticity of brain circuitry. Elucidation of these fundamental features and patterns of brain regions, neurons, connections, and chemistry engages, foremost, core issues in the biology of the brain, though evolutionary implications emerge as well for understanding the human brain and human neuropathologies.

Research
Jeffry S. Isaacson, PhD
Harvey J. Karten, MD
R. Glenn Northcutt, PhD

News

Department of Neurosciences Employee Named Principal Exemplary Staff Employee of the Year

Terry Alexander, Administrative Nurse III – Supervisor in the Department of Neurosciences, recently was recognized as the 2008-2009 UCSD Principal Exemplary Staff Employee of the Year.

We are extremely proud of the hard work that led to this impressive achievement. Please read more about Terry here

In addition, four other individuals in the Department of Neurosciences were named Employee of the Year Honorees. We are proud that Patty Camacho, Ellen Mathews, Mindy Schroeder, and John Widjaja were recognized for their many contributions to our department and the university. Read more about the department’s nominees here