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Current Members

 
Nick Audette in an office

Nicholas Audette

Assistant Professor
Behavioral Neuroscience
Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon University
B.S. University of Delaware
nicholas.audette@uconn.edu
Google Scholar  |  CV

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.

Lab Mascots

 

A large grey cat balancing on a railing.

Nimbus

Senior Associate Vice President of Lab Recreation
Education: Rock N Rescue Pet Adoption

Nimbus is a big boy with big eyes. Weighing in at over 19 lbs at his last checkup, he will use every ounce of his strength to make sure you're enjoying your day. He has extensive experience at balancing on objects for attention, pouncing on twist-ties, and lounging. His role in the lab is largely advisory as he has repeatedly failed to observe IACUC protocols for proper mouse handling. Fortunately, he is a big fan of zoom calls.

A tabby cat sitting on a bag of tools

Cirrus

Former Head of Maintainance and Interim Chief Bag Inspector
Education: Rock N Rescue Pet Adoption

Cirrus is smaller and quicker than her brother and is highly dextrous, making her adept at all manner of athletics. She was first hired for the lab maintainaince job because she likes working with her paws but has broken more things than she's fixed. Cirrus will be transitioning to a role in security so she can exercise her natural talent for greeting and inspecting bags.