Lecture: Neural Signature of Monogamous Reunion

Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder Dr. Zoe Donaldson will present a lecture titled "Neural Signature of Monogamous Reunion." The talk is presented as part of the LaBerge Mind & Brain Speaker Series.

Donaldson received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Emory University and pursued post-doctoral training at Columbia University prior to joining the faculty in the Departments of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Psychology/Neuroscience. Her current research focuses on how close social bonds, such as those that mediate friendships and romantic love, are encoded in the brain. She is interested in how the disruption of these relationships affects physiology and behavior in order to better understand how the loss of a loved one contributes to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and mental illness. To achieve this, her lab uses monogamous prairie voles, a rodent species that forms lifelong pair bonds between mates. By examining the neurobiology underlying these bonds and what happens when they are lost, she hopes to identify novel treatments for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. 

The LaBerge Mind & Brain Speaker Series brings together scholars and practitioners in Berkshire County to explore, learn about, and discuss contemporary theory, research, and practice in the fields of neuroscience and neuropsychology. The series seeks to recognize, celebrate, and support neuroscience in the Berkshires. 

The series name recognizes the contributions of former Simon’s Rock faculty member David LaBerge, whose work continues to make significant contributions to our understanding of consciousness, and whose teaching inspired many students at Simon’s Rock and elsewhere in the study of neuropsychology. 

Talks are held on the campus of Bard College at Simon’s Rock and are free and open to the public.