Dr. Sam Kunes

Biography

Sam Kunes is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University. His research primarily involves using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model system to explore the connections between developmental processes and behavior. His laboratory investigates a range of topics at the intersection of these fields, particularly examining how the nervous system’s functional plasticity affects behavior. His current research focus includes the signaling pathways that regulate development and function in the visual system, particularly looking at the Hedgehog protein's role in the transport of axons. Kunes's work additionally delves into the mechanisms by which visual experiences shape neuronal differentiation and synapse development. He aims to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of behavioral changes that accompany evolutionary divergence and adaptive speciation. Kunes has published numerous influential papers on neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in Drosophila, contributing to the understanding of how genetic factors influence behavioral patterns and sensory processing.

Research Interests