A message from the BEHN Chair

Welcome to the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience. We are committed to maintaining and enhancing excellence in neuroscience research and education in the areas of addiction, other neuropsychiatric diseases (including those found with aging), behavioral genetics, and cognitive and systems neuroscience. We strive for an inclusive and accountable research and learning environment that best serves the people of Oregon and beyond. Ours is one of few Behavioral Neuroscience departments in the country and our focus on the neuroscience of healthy and dysregulated behavior is a unique aspect of our research mission.  

Our mission is guided by three long-standing core commitments: (a) conducting high-quality research that enhances our understanding of brain-behavior relationships and improves human health and well-being; (b) educating the next generation of behavioral and systems neuroscientists and physician scientists; and (c) providing community service that informs the public about brain-behavior relationships. Research conducted by our faculty and trainees uses a wide range of techniques and cuts across several neurodevelopmental stages, as well as levels of analysis that range from the study of molecular processes to the study of complex behavior. We seek to understand the complex interplay among genetic regulation, neural circuits, and environmental influences on behavior, with the goal of generating new knowledge supporting prevention, detection and treatment of disorders and diseases of the nervous system impacting motivation, mood and cognition. 

Our research and educational missions have important implications for behavioral and mental health and are strengthened by collaborations across campus and with colleagues at other institutions. Our faculty are recognized leaders in their fields whose broad expertise and collective knowledge support a rich and supportive environment. Through our Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience graduate program and postdoctoral training we prepare emerging scientists to perform cutting-edge research, effectively communicate their findings to scientific and public audiences, and apply their findings to real-world problems. 

As department chair, I am proud that our research is making significant contributions to the understanding of genetic factors, environmental influences and brain mechanisms impacting well-being. I am grateful to the people who make this work possible and for their shared commitment, and welcome others to play a role in our community.

Tamara J. Phillips, Ph.D.
Chair and Ruth G. Matarazzo Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience