Team | Audette Lab of Flexible Sensory Processing

Nicholas (Nick) has been interested in science from childhood when he confidently proclaimed he would be a marine biologist. His interests evolved and he received a B.S. in Biochemistry before discovering his passion for neuroscience. Nick received his Ph.D. in the lab of Dr. Alison Barth studying neural circuit structure and plasticity in the mouse whisker system. He then trained as a postdoc in the lab of Dr. David Schneider studying predictive processing in the mouse auditory system. While his research team does not technically study marine biology, it is worth noting that mice are excellent swimmers. Outside of the lab Nick enjoys athletics, music, and the outdoors. He had a long career in ultimate frisbee and once biked across the United States. Following a series of betrayals by his mortal shell, his hobbies now include cooking, jogging and bird photography.

Claudia is a recent graduate of UConn with a B.S. in biological sciences and minor in neuroscience. As an undergrad, she worked in a behavioral neuroscience laboratory where she studied social anxiety and a PNB lab where she studied the effects of minor introns on the genome. Her current research uses freely-moving and head-fixed behavioral paradigms to study motor-sensory prediction learning in mice. One day, she hopes to pursue a PhD in neuroscience and study her interests in memory and music. In her free time, Claudia enjoys singing, playing guitar, going for runs, spending time with her friends, and napping with her cat and dog.

Abigail is a Research Assistant in the Audette lab focusing on error recognition in familiar sound patterns. She graduated in May of 2025 with a BS in Animal Behavior and a minor in Computer Science from Bucknell University. As an undergrad, she worked in a botany lab, studying seed dispersal mechanisms of Australian Solanum, and a rat lab, researching effects of food insecurity in rats. Outside of the lab, Abigail spends her time rock climbing and hiking, reading sci-fi and fantasy books (highly recommend Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson), having allergic reactions to most animals (luckily not including mice), and being moderately annoyed that movies nowadays are just live action remakes of perfectly good films.

Zach is a recent graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a B.S. in Biochemistry and Biophysics and an M.S. in Information Technology. During his studies, Zach gained hands-on experience using mouse models to investigate the effects of novel antimicrobial agents on bacterial infections. His interdisciplinary background combines a strong foundation in experimental biology with technical expertise in software development and data systems. In the lab, Zach contributes to the design and implementation of software solutions that enhance data collection, analysis, and experimental workflows. He hopes to pursue a career in the biotech industry, developing innovative healthcare technologies that improve patient outcomes. Outside the lab, Zach enjoys golfing with friends and going on hikes. Also Zach DOES NOT like olives!