Elizabeth Hammock
Interest
We use genetic, molecular, cellular, and behavioral techniques to understand the neurobiological mechanisms of social and affective behaviors in developing and mature mammals. Some big questions in our lab: How are social brains built? How does nurturing care-giving impact the developing brain? How does social-emotional neglect affect brain development? What are the mechanics of gene x environment interactions? Currently, our work focuses on oxytocin and vasopressin in rodent models of experience-dependent developmental plasticity. Our goal is to contribute to the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the interaction between life experience and genetic variation. Such knowledge should facilitate the development of more effective intervention strategies used to promote better outcomes in individuals with atypical development and adverse early experiences.
Current Research
Do developmentally transient neocortical oxytocin receptors shape experience-dependent development? What is/are the role(s) of oxytocin receptors in the neonatal oronasal cavity? What do neocortical vasopressin 1a receptors do in the neonatal brain? Are there peripheral biomarkers of mental illness/health in development? How does sensitive period social neglect shape neocortical development? Design and 3D printing of custom research tools.