Researcher adjusts lab equipment while monitoring brainwave data on screen under blue and red lighting.

Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory

About Our Program

Research at the Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory at the Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore Einstein (PRIME) is focused on uncovering and dissecting neural circuits that control social behaviors and understanding how these circuits are regulated under physiological and pathological conditions. Specific areas of study include parental behavior essential for the health and survival of offspring, infant-directed aggression and other behaviors associated with parenting.

Two researchers analyze brainwave data on a computer screen surrounded by lab equipment and colored lighting.

Areas of Concentration

Research questions at the Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory seek to answer:

  1. How stress affects the function of circuits controlling parental behaviors
  2. How circuits that mediate stress responses interact over time
  3. How stress circuits impact feeding behavior and body composition, particularly in lactating females

Current Projects & Research

Our team is actively involved in clinical research, evaluations and collaborations. Our current projects include research in the areas of:

  • The neural mechanisms of parental behavior
  • Circuit tracing
  • Optogenetics
  • In vivo recording

About Anita E. Autry, PhD

Anita E. Autry, PhD

Assistant Professor, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

With a PhD in neuroscience, Dr. Anita E. Autry focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuropsychiatric disorders. Her work aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application, providing insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies. In addition to her research, Dr. Autry is passionate about education and mentoring, dedicating her time to guiding students and early-career researchers in their scientific pursuits. She is committed to fostering a collaborative research environment and has published extensively in top-tier journals, contributing to advancing knowledge in her field.