Elaine Day
Associate Professor/ Director of Neuroscience Minor of Biology
Phone Number: (662)915-5444
Email: lainyday@olemiss.edu
http://olemiss.edu/depts/biology/people/faculty/day/index.php

Key Words: evolution, neuroendocrinology, spatial, motor, learning, neurogenesis, bird, avian, brain, hormones,

Research Description: My interest are fairly broad but are centered on understanding the evolution, function, and neuroendocrinology of brain regions involved in spatial and motor learning, principally the hippocampus and cerebellum Currently, I am involved in several projects that revolve around steroid induced neuroplasticity in the avian brain and the relationship between complex mating displays (dance) and brain morphology and chemistry. I maintain an interest in non-avian vertebrate models as well. I welcome inquiries from dedicated undergraduates that have an interest in my research or related projects in behavioral neuroscience.

Honors Theses:

Breaux, Renee Elizabeth (2022) The Neuroprotective Effects of Estradiol and Genistein in Zebra Finch Cerebellum (full text)

Jiwani, Zahra Feroz Ali (2022) The Nesting Behavior of a Gynandromorph Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata)

Obad, Asma (2022) The Nesting Behavior of a Gynandromorph Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata)

Harvey, Mary (2018) Purkinje Cell Morphology and Display Complexity in Manakins (Pipridae) (full text)

Howell, John Aaron (2017) Egg Laying Bird with Male Plumage Demonstrates the Puzzling Nature of Sexual Differentiation and Selective Mate Preferences in Zebra Finches. (full text)

Helmhout, Wilson (2016) Females Influence Brain Evolution: Dance Complexity Related to Volume of a Sensorimotor Region in Manakins. (full text)

Williams, Taylor (2014) The Effects of Adrenergic Antagonists on Spatial Memory in the Zebra Finch (taeniopygia guttata). (full text)

Digiusto, Matthew Gian (2011) "The Role of the Cerebellum in the Zebra Finch Song Circuit"

Simpson, Brittany Nicole (2011) "Effects of anticholinergics and cholinergic enhancers on spatial learning and locomotion in mice"

Stinson, Gerald William, Jr. (2010) "Effects of Estrogen on Recovery of Spatial Function After Cerebellar Lesion "