The focus of the seminar series is to call for experts related to academia and research in the areas related to biomechanics, variability, motor disorders, physical therapy, and related studies.

"Neuromolecular and Cognitive Mechanisms of Alternative Stress Coping Styles in Zebrafish"

Presentation Abstract

Animals experience a variety of challenges throughout their lives and often employ behavioral displays and physiological responses to successfully cope with stressors. These stress coping mechanisms are a result of complex interactions between neural activity and the individual's genome. Two qualitatively different coping styles have been documented in a wide range of animal taxa: proactive and reactive. The displays of these alternative responses are thought to be due to biases in cognitive processes. Research in the Wong Lab takes an integrative approach to understanding the mechanisms underlying stress coping styles and its impact on learning and memory processes. The Wong lab has established zebrafish as a model to studying alternative stress coping styles through investigation of normative processes. In our studies we draw on principles and methodologies ranging from behavior, neurobiology, genome engineering, transcriptome profiling, neuroendocrinology, pharmacology, to redox reactions. We have identified proximate mechanisms that may be key in promoting traits of alternative stress coping styles.  Understanding how the behavioral and neuromolecular mechanisms across the brain leads to successful stress coping strategies can give important insights into the etiology of stress-related mental health disorders by identifying key pathways that are disrupted.

About Dr. Wong

Before joining UNO’s Department of Biology in 2014, Dr. Wong completed his post-doctoral training in behavioral genomics from North Carolina State University. He received his PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011. Dr. Wong’s career has been focused on trying to understand the proximate mechanisms of behaviors. His research is funded by NSF, NIH, NE EPSCoR, NE INBRE, and other University of Nebraska System grants.