Duke Institute for Brain Sciences

Our group is broadly interested in the cultural transmission of behavior. Our specific research interest is understanding the neural mechanisms that underlie imitative vocal learning in songbirds. Aspects of this research include (but are not limited to): identifying the neural circuitry that enables the ear to instruct the voice; the neurobiology of vocal communication; the effects of auditory experience and motor performance on brain structure and function. We employ a wide variety of methods, ranging from chronic recording of neural activity in freely behaving songbirds to in vivo multi-photon imaging of neurons in young birds as they learn to sing.

Ph.D., California Institute of Technology

B.S., Yale University

Prather, J, S Peters, S Nowicki and R Mooney (2008) Precise auditory-vocal mirroring in neurons for learned vocal communication. Nature 451:305-310.

Bauer, EE, MJ Coleman, TF Roberts, A Roy, JF Prather, R Mooney (2008). A synaptic basis for auditory-vocal integration in the songbird. J Neurosci 28: 1509-1522.

Roberts, T, M Klein, F Kubke, JM Wild and R. Mooney (2008). Telencephalic neurons monosynaptically link brainstem and forebrain premotor networks necessary for song. J Neurosci 28: 3479-3489.