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Melina E. Hale is the William Rainey Harper Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago. Her research primarily focuses on biomechanics and neurobiology, with a specific interest in the study of axial movements in fishes. Hale investigates startle responses and rhythmic swimming behaviors, using these phenomena as model systems for examining motor control mechanics. Her work addresses key biological questions about how morphology, physiology, and the physics of the aquatic environment interact to produce swimming movements. In her studies, she employs various techniques including functional imaging and targeted neuron ablation in larval zebrafish, capitalizing on their genetic advantages and optical imaging capabilities. Hale's research also evaluates the evolutionary dynamics of neural circuits and behaviors across different species, contributing to our understanding of how neural adaptations arise over time. She has been recognized for her academic contributions, holding leadership positions in various scientific organizations and receiving several awards throughout her career.
SUNY Stony Brook • NY
Postdoctoral research focused on neurobiology.
Grass Laboratory, Marine Biological Laboratory • Woods Hole, MA
Conducted research as a fellow in neurobiology.
Department of Philosophy