Our department's focus in neuroscience comprises multiple investigators who pursue research to better understand how the nervous system develops and functions. Researchers in the department study numerous aspects of neuroscience including neurogenesis, neural circuit formation and function, how neural circuits change with experience, the function of astrocytes on nervous system development and function, how genes affect behavior, and the evolution of brain structures in social insects. Our faculty use a large number of model organisms including worms, flies and mice. We also use technology including two-photon microscopy to visualize neurons in living animals, and super resolution microscopy to study the fine structure of synaptic connections.