Dr. Stefanie Neupert

Main Focus

Neuronal correlates of nestmate recognition
Ants and bees recognize each other as nestmates (members of the same colony) or non-nestmates (members of a different colony). During this recognition process the neuronal correlate of an external label (a colony-specific blend of hydrocarbons on the cuticle) is compared with a neuronal template (label-template matching). As the label is variable and changes over time in the course of weeks or months, plasticity of the neuronal template is expected. We are exploring the neuronal mechanisms underlying nestmate recognition and we address two main questions: Where and how are colony odors represented in the brain? Where in the nervous system is the neuronal template located, and how is template plasticity achieved? In an integrative approach, we combine behavioral, physiological, and neuroanatomical experiments.

Curriculum Vitae

2010 Diploma in Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany

Awards & Scholarships
Oct 2013: Manfred Ulmer Stipend of the Foundation for Science and Society
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