Dr. Catherine Dulac

Biography

Catherine Dulac is the Xander University Professor at Harvard University and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Her research utilizes molecular, genetic, and electrophysiological techniques to explore the neuronal basis of instinctive social behaviors in mice. Dulac's work addresses key questions regarding the sensory signals that trigger specific social behaviors, the brain areas involved in processing these signals, and how physiological states and social experiences modulate these behaviors. She has uncovered fundamental principles underlying the function of the vomeronasal system, which orchestrates social responses in mammals. This includes the discovery of neuronal circuits that govern male and female-specific behaviors, challenging longstanding assumptions in the field. Her recent work has identified set hypothalamic neurons that control paternal behavior in mice and examined the organization of neuronal circuits related to parenting and social motivation. Furthermore, Dulac is advancing her research through the application of advanced imaging techniques and single-cell transcriptional profiling to understand the adult and developing brain areas involved in social behaviors.

Research Interests

Courses