keywords
- social behavior
- Contact Info
Donaldson, Zoe Rebecca
Positions
- Associate Professor, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology (MCDB)
- Associate Professor, Psychology and Neuroscience
Research Areas
- Animal Behavior/Ethology
- Animal Genetics/Breeding
- Biological Sciences
- Comparative/Animal Psychology
- Gene Expression
- Gene Regulation
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Nervous System
- Neurochemistry
- Neurophysiology
- Neuroscience
- Neurotransmitters
- Receptors
- Recombinant DNA
- Sociobiology
- Stress
- Transgenic Animals
Research
Publications
selected publications
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chapter
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conference proceeding
- The Functional Serotonin 1a Receptor Promoter Polymorphism, rs6295, is Associated with Psychiatric Illness and Differences in Transcription. Neuropsychopharmacology. S422-S423. 2014
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journal article
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An innate drive to save a life.
Science.
827-828.
2025
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The BRAIN initiative: a pioneering program on the precipice.
Nature Neuroscience.
2264-2266.
2024
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Aging leads to sex-dependent effects on pair bonding and increased number of oxytocin-producing neurons in monogamous prairie voles.
Hormones and Behaviour.
2024
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Social neuroscience: When more is merrier.
Current Biology.
R907-R908.
2024
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Larry J. Young (1967-2024).
Nature Neuroscience.
1037-1038.
2024
... more
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An innate drive to save a life.
Science.
827-828.
2025
Teaching
courses taught
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MCDB 4100 - Special Topics
Primary Instructor - Spring 2018
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-). -
MCDB 4420 - Genetics of Brain and Behavior
Primary Instructor - Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Examines the genetic underpinnings of animal behavior, including an examination of behavioral evolution and the use of genes as tools to examine neural architecture. We will cover topics including foraging, social behavior, personality, parental care and fear. We will explore these behaviors at multiple levels, including genomics, population genetics, molecular genetics, epigenetics, endocrinology and neurobiology. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Same as NRSC 4420. -
MCDB 4980 - Honors Research
Primary Instructor - Fall 2020 / Fall 2024
Provides faculty-supervised research for students who have been approved by the departmental honors committee. Normally taken during the semester before completion of the honors thesis. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 4840 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.20. -
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor - Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2024
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee. -
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2024
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
... more
Background
education and training
- Ph.D., Emory University 2009
- B.S., University of California-Los Angeles 2002