Developing Translational Methods in Neurotoxicology
An interdisciplinary perspective is required to navigate translation from simplistic animal models to the complex etiology of neurobehavioral disorders in humans. We use techniques and theory from neurotoxicology, behavioral endocrinology, evolution and development, and epigenetics to improve the translational relevance of our experiments. We strive to use translational and real world relevant multi-factor toxicant exposures. We aim to remove experimental manipulations that confound interpretation.
Finally, we used ethological and evolutionary theory to improve our interpretations of behavior. This is facilitated with the development of behavioral batteries and not only using single assays. Grounding translational animal models in evolutionary context is fundamental to unlocking the role of the environment in the etiology of complex sex-biased neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
