Principal investigator

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Throughout my scientific career, I have sought ways to study how behaviors important to the life history of an animal are adapted by experience.  As a master’s student with Dr. Peter Slater at the University of St. Andrews, I conducted fieldwork to quantitatively study the similarity of songs in a population of chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs) inhabiting a small chain of islands.  This research examined the interactions of geographic isolation upon song learning, and found that the acoustic structure of songs was learned on birth islands, while song sequencing was determined by the location of adult territories.  My master’s work motivated a more mechanistic approach for my doctoral thesis with Dr. Michael Brainard at the University of California, San Francisco.  I examined the relationship between motor neuron variability and variability in song structure.  As a postdoc with Dr. Cynthia Moss at Johns Hopkins University (and formerly at the University of Maryland), I extended my work on sensorimotor processing by examining the role of sensory feedback in audio-vocal integration in the echolocating bat.  I conducted both behavioral and neurophysiological studies in bats performing natural tasks to determine how sensory feedback in the form of sonar echoes is used to modify subsequent sonar vocalizations, as well as head and ear movements.   

I have over twenty-seven years of laboratory managerial experience working in different animal models using a variety of different techniques. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. After teaching mathematics and science to 7th-12th grades for 9 years, I began working in research at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale. Later, I established transgenic cores for George Washington University, D.C. and Children’s National Medical Center, D.C. before joining the University of Arizona. I particularly enjoy all hands-on work with animals. I also love teaching all ages about biomedical research and hope my enthusiasm is catching!   

I am a graduate student in the GIDP Neuroscience program. I completed my Masters in Medical Physiology from Manipal University, India following which I worked with Dr. Supratim Ray at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India studying the brain rhythms underlying high-level cognitive tasks such as attention in non-human primates. I then moved to Washington, DC and worked with Dr. David Leopold at the National Institute of Mental Health studying social interactions in non-human primates in naturalistic paradigms. In the bat lab I am interested in studying behavior and understanding the circuit mechanisms that drive behavior during natural tasks. In addition to research, I am also interested in science communication, policy and advocacy.

 Having recently graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Physics and a minor in Photography, I am now looking to expand my research background as I look forward to graduate school. The Batlab offers a unique opportunity to apply my computational knowledge and explore my research interests while getting to work alongside some brilliant scientists and amazing creatures. I’m excited to explore both Tucson and the University of Arizona but that might have to wait until things cool down. My interests include computational physics, engineering, photography, and the outdoors. 

I am and undergraduate student originally from the Chicago suburbs and I am majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science with an emphasis in neurobiology. I am also pursuing a minor in veterinary science. My other involvements at school include being an NSCS ambassador along with a UofA ambassador. My postgrad plans are to attend graduate school in the hopes of becoming a neurological physiotherapist! Aside from school I have a passion for cooking new recipes, exercise and fitness, and spending time with my friends and family!

I am currently a Junior here at the University of Arizona, double majoring in Neuroscience and Classical Civilizations with a minor in biochemistry. I aspire to become a Doctor and do something either with Anesthesiology or Neurology. I am originally from Oregon, so once it's not so hot out here I really enjoy doing things outdoors, and am a member of the Tucson Botanical Gardens and go regularly. In the lab, I am mostly interested in anatomy and am excited to explore the ways in which we can relate bats to other mammals, including ourselves.

My name is Hayley Skonieczny and I am a junior majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and trying to receive a minor in Biochemistry. I am originally from Huntington Beach, California and my hobbies and interests include surfing, singing, and working out. I also love going to the beach, baking treats with my roommates and watching movies. 

Born and raised here in Tucson, I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona. I am majoring in Neuroscience and Cognition with an emphasis in computation in hopes to better understand the way the brain functions in relation to the information processing of a computer. I pursue a better understanding of the systemic function of all living organisms to eventually achieve a career in the development of prosthetics and innovate in the field by better shaping our perspective on neurological linking. When I'm not in the lab I am fueling my passion for cameras, computers, filmmaking and culinary arts. The lab is a way to propel me forward in the comprehension of neurological concepts by working hands on with bats to study the natural behavior of survival in relation to ourselves and all species. Within the science performed in the lab, I also strive to create lifelong connections for my future in neuroscience.

I am a Junior at the University of Arizona majoring in Physiology with a minor in Spanish on the Pre-Med track. As an aspiring surgeon, anatomy has always been an interest of mine, especially the brain. I hope to use information gained in the lab and apply it to our understanding of our own brains and behaviors. Outside of the lab, I am a huge fan of the outdoors and enjoy going on new adventures. My favorite outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, and camping, but you can also find me snowboarding and playing disc golf when the weather is right!