MACKENZIE YATES
UVA Biology
PhD Student
Larson Lab
RESEARCH
UNCOVERING THE NEURAL BASIS OF NATURAL BEHAVIOR
How do individual neural and behavioral changes alter population structure? What neuroethological traits contribute to a population being equipped to handle a changing environment?
How is climate change altering the brains of natural populations? What are the neural consequences of behavioral adaptations (and vice versa)?
This project seeks to understand how GWCS population structure has changed/is changing over time
This project seeks to Identify and manipulate candidate neural/hormonal substrates of observed behavioral/morphometric variation
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ABOUT ME
BRIEF CV
2019-2023 : BA, Psychology (minors in biology and neuroscience) at Gettysburg College
2023-Current : PhD Student, Larson lab at the University of Virginia
BIO
I study the natural neuroplasticity of Gambel’s White-Crowned Sparrow (GWCS) at the Larson lab at the University of Virginia. GWCS experience cyclical growth and regression of the song-control region of their brains
as they travel to and from their breeding grounds. This growth/regression is correlated with behavioral changes in song quality and singing frequency. By utilizing this system, we can identify neural substrates that are especially susceptible to environmental changes and make predictions of whether and how natural populations will adapt to a changing climate. I hope to gain a more holistic perspective of the nervous system through uncovering the neural mechanisms behind diverse natural behaviors, as well as to inform conservation efforts across taxa.
Outside of research I enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring creative hobbies (check out my art below!). I am also passionate about communicating exciting scientific concepts across disciplines and education levels, whether through my art, writing, or community outreach
ABOUT OUR SYSTEM
Understanding Our Brains
Songbirds have long been used in neuroethology to understand the neural basis of language acquisition. Birds and humans are part of a small minority of species that share “true vocal learning”. Due to homology in language acquisition and neural structures involved in speech, passerines provide a valuable tool for translational neuroscience.
GWCS song control circuit undergoes a dramatic cycle of degeneration and regeneration each year in synchrony with their breeding cycle, that can be recapitulated in a laboratory setting. Our lab exploits this cycle to understand mechansisms of degeneration/regeneration, neurological disorders/disease, and environment x brain interactions.
Conservation
The EPA lists migratory birds as an official bellwether for climate change. Behavioral changes have been well-documented across avian species, but little is known about how natural populations' brains respond to climate change. The natural behavioral and neural plasticity of GWCS makes them an ideal candidate for informing conservation efforts relating to brain/behavior/environment connections.
I am passionate about sharing my excitement for science and finding new ways to communicate complex concepts across different audiences and materials. As a visual learner myself, I hope to use my art to explain scientific concepts in a way that is clear and engaging. I mostly work on projects relating to my lab, but feel free to reach out with any inquiries!
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION & OUTREACH
CONTACT ME
Have a question or want to chat about my work? I’d love to hear from you!
Contact:
Department of Biology
University of Virginia
Physical Life Sciences Building, Rm 338
PO Box 400328
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4328
kenzie-yates
