Research in my laboratory is focused on the cellular and behavioral neurobiology of invertebrates – "crunchies" (lobsters) and "squishies" (hydra). Intracellular and extra-cellular electrophysiological and behavioral studies in my lab are complemented by collaborative immuno-histochemical, ultrastructural, and biochemical studies in other laboratories at URI and elsewhere. The aim of the work is to define the cellular-membranal and chemical (transmitters and hormones) mechanisms that determine certain behaviors. In lobsters, we have been focusing on the physiology of agonistic behavior over the molt-cycle and the physiology of agonistic behavior in gravid females; in hydra we have concentrated on the physiology of nematocyst discharge and feeding behavior, and on the chemical neurotransmission of hydra’s pacemaker systems.
