Research Interests
Social relationships are a crucial factor driving the behavior of group-living species. One of the most enduring relationships is the persistent bond between members of a monogamous pair. Monogamy occurs in some human societies, such as our own, as well as a few nonhuman primates and other mammalian species. However, it is most common among birds. My current research focuses on the neurobiological basis of the formation and maintenance of social relationships in adulthood and the sexual differentiation of partner preferences during development that lead animals to choose mates in adulthood.
My approach is unique in that I seek to understand mechanisms of naturally occurring behavior using multiple levels of analysis: from behavioral observations to molecular techniques. I study zebra finches because they form monogamous relationships that persist for long periods of time and because they rely heavily on learned vocal communication like humans and primates do, but, unlike humans and primates, are relatively easy to study and manipulate in the laboratory.
Selected Publications
Tomaszycki, ML, Blaine, SK, Baxter, PC, Adkins-Regan, E, & DeVoogd, TJ (submitted). NCM, a forebrain perceptual region, plays a role in partner recognition in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B.
Tang, YP, Peabody, C, Tomaszycki, ML, & Wade, J. (in press). Sexually dimorphic SCAMP1 expression in the forebrain motor pathway for song production of juvenile zebra finches. Journal of Neurobiology.
Tomaszycki, ML, Sluzas, EM, Sundberg, KA, Newman, SW, & DeVoogd, TJ (2006). Immediate Early Gene Responses to Song in Juvenile Female and Male Zebra Finches: Effects of Rearing Environment. Journal of Neurobiology, 66, 1175-1182.
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Michelle Tomaszycki