1978-1984

ճNeural Systems & Behavior (NS&B)course at the MBLis derived from the originalZoologycourse, the first laboratory course established at MBLthe same year it was founded in 1888.NS&Bis thus the oldest course at the Ůֱ! In 1969, theZoologycourse was renamed theInvertebrate Zoologycourse, reflecting the increasing specialization of biological research. During these days, the location of MBLmade it an ideal ground for studying marine invertebrates collected off the cost of Woods Hole, MA..

1978-1984

In 1978, the course leapt into the new frontiers of neuroscience when it was re-envisioned as theNeural Systems & Behaviorcourse under its first Director,, with generous support from the Grass Foundation, which provided start-up funds and a generous loaner program of equipment. Ever since, the Grass Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of NS&Bat the Ůֱ. Because back then the facilities were still designed for marine invertebrate research, students worked around the large salt-water tanks, with pipes running all across the ceiling. Unfortunately, Alan was unable to return to Woods Hole the following year for personal reasons, soRon Hoystepped in and directed the course 1979/80, before bringingon board as co-director for the period of 1981-1984. Ron Hoy instituted the principle of choice, i.e., students choose between two or three modulesper cycle, an idea that has endured. One of Ron’s proudest accomplishments was to secure a training grant from the NIMH, which supports the courseto this day.

1985-2012

The next pair of course directors, from 1985-1989 wereԻ. As the t-shirts from that period will attest, the course participants were no strangers to having fun when their work was through. 1987 in particular is fondly remembered as the year of the “Aplysiaraces.” From 1990-1994Իdirected the course, further establishing its reputation as a life-changing experience for the students. With technology as it was in those days, the largest budget item was film for their cameras. From 1995-1999ԻJanis Weeks directed the course, adding several new modules. The tradition of innovation was extended byRichard LevineԻfrom 2000-2004. AfterMichael DickensonԻSarah Bottjer, who lead NS&B 2005-2007,ԻJim Knierim (2008-2012) added more emphasis on professional development andmoved the course intothe internet age by establishing a facebook page.

2013 – present

Starting in 2013,Իbegan transforming the course by embracing an integrative theme – between modules and across levels of organization – and broadening the range of techniques offered. They are also increasing the reach of the course by webcasting all thelecturesas well as producing online learning modules on complex techniques and procedures (coming soon).

With 20 students enrolled in the course each year, the NS&B course has trained 740 students and post-docs in the past 37 years! Many students have gone on to pursue distinguished careers in academia, and many have gone on to be course faculty.

During Ůֱ’s 125th anniversary summer of 2013, the MBLCommunity Archives Project scanned and processed into our community-generated archives photographs, memories, stories, letters, research documents, and course notebooks. These items were given to the Project for scanning by a broad cross section of the MBLscientific community.ThisMBLCommunity Archives is a community-generated collection of photographs, video reminiscences, and science memorabilia.

Check out thefor interviews with some of the famous scientists who have spent their summers at Ůֱ. Some former NS&B directors, students, faculty, and speakers have shared their story. Check them out.

, Co-Director 1995-1999

, Guest Lecturer 2013, PI of former NS&B students

Overview of Previous Course Directors

Year Director Home Institution
1978 Alan Gelperin Princeton University
1979-84 Ronald Hoy Cornell University
1981-84 Eduardo Macagno Columbia University, now at UCSD
1985-89 Thomas Carew Yale University, now at NYU
1985-89 Darcy Kelley Columbia University
1990-94 Ronald Calabrese Emory University
1990-94 Martha Constantine-Paton Yale University, now at MIT
1995-99 Janis Weeks University of Oregon
1995-99 Harold Zakon The University of Texas at Austin
2000-04 Catherine Carr University of Maryland
2000-04 Richard Levine University of Arizona
2005-07 Sarah Bottjer University of Southern California
2005-07 Michael Dickinson Caltech
2008-12 Paul Katz Georgia State University
2008-12 James Knierim Johns Hopkins University
2013-18 AndréFenton New YorkUniversity
2013-18 Hans Hofmann The University of Texas at Austin
2018-20 Jade Zee Northeastern University
2019-23 Robert Froemke NYU School of Medicine
2019-23 Stephanie White UCLA