My laboratory investigates the interaction between hormones and social
context on the development and expression of sexual and sex-related
behavior
in nonhuman primates. The general theme that guides our research
approach
is the interaction between biological mechanisms and the social and
environmental
context that shapes their expression and function. We study nonhuman
primates
because their extended development and complex social structure modal
important
aspects of the human condition and provide insight into the
complementary
role that social context and biological predispositions play in the
development
and expression of behavior. We also do studies in humans that
complement the nonhuman primate work.
Current Projects
Current projects in the
laboratory focus on the effects of atypical prenatal
hormonal exposure on anatomical neuroendocrine, and behavioral
development
in male and female rhesus monkeys. Other work investigates the role
that steroid hormones, specifically estrogens, androgens, and progstins
play in the modulation of female sexual desire in monkeys.
Collaborative work with Dr. Stephan Hamann investigates sex differences
in neural activation to sexual stimuli in men and women All nonhuman
primate research is performed at the Yerkes
Regional Primate Research Center
Field Station using social groups of monkeys.
