Sean Nunley

Research Interests:
Evolution and neuropsychology; applied biological sciences, biotechnology, and genetics; legal and governmental applications of empirical social psychology, endocrinology and cognitive neuroscience; interaction of hormones, environment, and brain systems in the production behavior; evolution of supera-organismal and emergent socio-behavioral systems.

Research
2010-Present Exploratory anatomical study and literature research, Amherst, MA Ongoing analysis of a previously undocumented pigmentation patterning in the dermis of the prairie vole (Microtus cchrogaster) using digital imaging analysis. This research is being conducted in conjunction with two Hampshire undergraduate thesis students, with the intent of publication.

2009-2010 Literature research for journal publication, Amherst, MA Studied and synthesized the extant literature on pigmentation development, melanogenesis, and the melanocortin system, studying overlap in animal fur pigmentation and behavioral phenotype.

2008 - 2010 Undergraduate Researcher, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Conducted 2 years independent experimental research on the neuroendocrinology and behavioral biology of artificial selection for tameness in a wild rodent species (Microtus ochrogaster). Performed as part of Hampshire College undergraduate senior thesis project. Research funded by the Society for Psychocultural Research.

Spring 2008 Field Researcher, Hampshire College School of Cognitive Science Experimentally studied multimodal communication and alarm behavior in gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) using a novel robotic squirrel model capable of replicating individual auditory and visual components of alarm signalling. Part of a faculty research project.

Fall 2007 Ethological Field Research, literature review, Amherst MA Performed field observations of communicative behavior in the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchus) in conjunction with a written formal review of the relevant literature.

January 2006 Undergraduate Researcher, Gene Cloning Course, Hampshire College Intensive, full-time lab work in molecular biology, including training in plasmid hybridization, PCR, and transgenic modification of E. coli bacteria. Created fusion genes of neurotransmitter receptors and fluorescent proteins for a fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiment.

Grants and Awards
Undergraduate Research Grant, | Foundation for Psychocultural Research - Hampshire College Program in | Culture, Brain, and Development ($4700, 2008 and 2009)

Evolution and Genetics

 * Gene Cloning
 * Gene Cloning, Student Instructor
 * Ever Since Darwin
 * Population Genetics
 * Evolutionary Biology, Teaching Assistant

Mathematics

 * Statistics
 * Calculus

Physiology

 * Comparative Animal Physiology
 * Human Physiology

Neuroscience and Psychology

 * Biological Psychology
 * Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
 * Minds, Brains, Machines
 * Minds, Brains, Machines, Teaching Assistant
 * Neuroscience of Personality
 * Neurophysiology of Motivation
 * Neuroendocrinology, Teaching Assistant
 * Psychology of Language

Behavior and Communication

 * Advanced Methods in Animal Behavior
 * Lab in Animal Communication
 * Sound Patterns in Language
 * Cognition and Behavior of Domestic Animals

Social Science and Media

 * Human Language, Nature, Politics
 * Power, Culture, Imagination
 * Media Studies: Advertising and Society

Young Amherst Society
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