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Jenna Ann McHenry is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychology & Neuroscience and Neurobiology at Duke University. Her research focuses on defining fixed and flexible features of molecularly defined neural circuits that direct both ethological and motivated behavior. A significant aspect of McHenry's work involves exploring specific hypothalamic subnuclei as key centers for social and homeostatic control, alongside their connections to midbrain dopaminergic reward systems. Utilizing a broad range of contemporary neuroscience techniques, she employs optogenetics and in vivo deep-brain calcium imaging, particularly through 2-photon microscopy, to investigate these complex behaviors. McHenry's research has been published in prominent journals such as Neuron and Nature Neuroscience, highlighting her contributions to understanding the neural underpinnings of goal-directed behavior and the physiological states influencing sensorimotor processing. She is actively involved in multiple grants focused on neural circuits regulating social homeostasis and has a robust academic background with a Ph.D. from Florida State University.
Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University • Durham, NC
Serving as an Assistant Professor, focusing on studies related to functional neural circuits and motivated behaviors.
Department of Neurobiology, Duke University • Durham, NC
Engaged in research and teaching concerning the neurobiological aspects of behavior.
Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)