CAREER: A Biophysical Approach to Thermotaxis, a Complex Experience-Dependent Behavior in C. elegans

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Understanding how neural systems encode animal behavior is a general goal of neurobiology. This CAREER research program, an interdisciplinary effort between neuroscience and physics, will probe the neural representation of the thermotactic behavior of the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans by developing techniques at the interface of biology and physics. Examples of technological innovation will include: 1) the development of new behavioral assays that will quantify the worm's responses to arbitrary patterns of thermal stimuli; 2) optical measurements of neural activity applying genetically encoded indicators of cellular processes; and 3) the application of ultrafast lasers to destroy sub-micron sized neural structures (neuronanosurgery). Through partnerships with other labs, these techniques will see broad applications in the biological study of the nematode and other model organisms. An additional component of the program is directed toward promoting scientific education through the awarding of undergraduate research assistantships, development of course curricula, and outreach programs that encourage high school students towards advanced studies in the natural sciences. Special emphasis in placed on education at the interface between biology and physics.This award is jointly supported by the Division of Physics in the Mathematical and Biological Sciences and the Division of Integrative Organismal Biology in the Directorate for Biological Sciences.