Neuroscience and Developmental Biology
Dr. Simon Collier, Cluster Coordinator
The Neuroscience and Developmental Biology Research Cluster consists of faculty in the School of Medicine and College of Science who share common research interests. There are two tracks available to students within the cluster: 1) Neuroscience and 2) Developmental Biology. Students receive interdisciplinary training in modern experimental approaches at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Faculty in this cluster use a broad range of model organisms, including plants, fruit flies, cockroaches, zebrafish, and rodents, to understand fundamental processes in the function of the nervous system and in the development of multicellular organisms. The curriculum for each track is designed to give students a solid foundation in their respective disciplines during their first year. In subsequent years, students are encouraged to take electives that will allow them to explore in depth topics related to their research.