"TITLE TBA"
 | Speaker: Aimee Dunlap, PhD Date: May 12, 2026, noon-1 p.m. Location: Details coming soon! |
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About the Speaker
Dr. Aimee Dunlap leads a lab of scientists studying cognitive ecology within the Biology Department at the University of Missouri- Saint Louis. They are also closely affiliated with the Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center and with the Center for Neurodynamics. The primary focus of their research is investigating the role of environmental variability in the evolution and ecological function of cognition (perception, learning, memory, and decision making). How do animals track changes in their environments? When is learning and tracking a good strategy? How should animals weight different sources of information? And how do these choices affect conservation outcomes for animals? To answer these questions, the lab uses a mix of theory and experiments, working on time scales ranging from single foraging bouts to experimental evolution studies across many generations, and with studies both in the laboratory as well as in the field. They are interested in the interplay between evolution and the genetic and molecular mechanisms of cognition, as well as a firm understanding of natural history and the problems the animals are solving in nature. They center the welfare of the animals they study, working to better understand how to best care for and work with arthropods.
About the Discovery Series
The NextGen Precision Health Discovery Series provides learning opportunities for UM System faculty and staff across disciplines, the statewide community and our other partners to learn about the scope of precision health research and identify potential collaborative opportunities. The series consists of monthly lectures geared toward a broad multidisciplinary audience so all can participate and appreciate the spectrum of precision health efforts.
For questions about this event or any others in the Discovery Series, please reach out to Mackenzie Lynch.