Will Kenkel
Principal Investigator
My research focuses on the neuroendocrine regulation of social behavior with a focus on reproduction and development. I primarily study two neuropeptides, oxytocin and vasopressin, for their contributions to social behavior. Like many other hormones, levels of both oxytocin and vasopressin surge at birth when they play important roles in helping the newborn adjust to life outside the womb. Many years ago, researchers saw this surge of oxytocin at birth and hypothesized that oxytocin might be the trigger in the brain of the pregnant female for initiating maternal behavior, which spawned dozens of studies on how oxytocin promotes caregiving. I contributed to this field by studying how oxytocin regulates caregiving not only in females but males as well, using the monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). Recently, my and colleagues and I showed, using prairie voles, that administering oxytocin to the pregnant mother on the day of expected delivery, similar to what is done in humans, can affect offspring development. Going forward, I aim to continue this work on how birth experience can shape development through neuroendocrine mechanisms.
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Tang Watanasriyakul
Post-doc
Hi there! My name is Tang, and I am a postdoctoral researcher in the BES lab. I have over a decade of experience in preclinical research, working with diverse animal models. I received my Ph.D. in Neuroscience & Behavior from Northern Illinois University, where I investigated the effects of preconception exposure to chronic stress in prairie vole offspring. Currently, I am examining potential changes in oxytocin, vasopressin, and cardiovascular function in vaginally vs. c-section delivered prairie vole offspring. I am one of the instructors for PSYC100 (Intro to Psychology), and I also enjoy mentoring students in the lab. In my free time, I like to spend time with my plants, cats, and partner.
Miranda Partie
Lab Manager
I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Delaware, where I worked in the Stanton lab. My research interest focuses on spatial memory in rodents. I want to continue my education by pursuing a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience and become a professor. A fun fact about myself is that I had two pet rats.
Katelyn Rogers
Graduate Student
I am a second-year PhD student in the Behavioral Neuroscience program. My previous research experience focused on prenatal polydrug exposure. I am interested in how birth mode effects the development of the reward system. A fun fact about myself is that I have a dog named Buddy.
Emily Kiernan
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a junior at the University of Delaware dual majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience. I am interested in studying behavior and plan on going to Graduate school to concentrate on Psychiatry. A fun fact about myself is that I can say the alphabet backwards.
Rose Pristas
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a senior Neuroscience major at the University of Delaware. I am interested in caregiving behavior, endocrinological changes, and mental health. I would like to continue my education to receive my Master’s in Neuroscience and continue to do research. A fun fact about myself is I design and model costumes for comic, videogame, and anime conventions.
Kameron Ipektchi
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a junior pursuing a B.A. in Biological Sciences. I am interested in the brain and behavior. I am planning on attending dental school and hoping to run my own practice. A fun fact about myself is I enjoy golfing and playing basketball in my free time!
