Department of
Physiology and Neurobiology

We carry out research and education that is innovative, collaborative, and centered on cutting-edge science. We bring together researchers and educators focused on the molecular, cellular, and circuit-based mechanisms that underlie diverse functions orchestrated by the brain and body. By integrating work across the spectrum of Physiology and Neurobiology, we aim to advance our understanding of brain-body functions and interactions under normal conditions and disease. 

Our department is home to nationally recognized researchers in neuroscience, physiology, and education.

A Message From The Department Head

'Welcome to the website of the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB) at the University of Connecticut. PNB is a vibrant, collegial, interactive, and inclusive department housed in the Pharmacy/Biology, Torrey Life Science, and Biology/Biophysics Buildings on the UConn Storrs main campus. We are one of the twenty-five departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences..

PNB is the home to twenty-six faculty members with diverse cultural and educational backgrounds who are at the forefront of investigating fundamental physiology and neurobiology questions. Research areas include many aspects of neurobiology, reproductive biology, vascular biology, developmental biology, RNA processing, neuronal modelling, and human disease models as well as research on STEM education. We also oversee the Bioscience Electron Microscopy Laboratory, which provides service and training to users across the Storrs campus.'

READ FULL MESSAGE

'Welcome to the website of the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB) at the University of Connecticut. PNB is a vibrant, collegial, interactive, and inclusive department housed in the Pharmacy/Biology, Torrey Life Science, and Biology/Biophysics Buildings on the UConn Storrs main campus. We are one of the twenty-five departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.'

READ FULL MESSAGE

Departmental Officers

Walikonis, Randy

Randall Walikonis

Department Head

Tzingounis, Anastasios

Anastasios Tzingounis

Associate Department Head

Menuz, Karen

Karen Menuz

Director of Graduate Studies

Chen, Xinnian

Xinnian Chen

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Boundless Research

Boundless Research

Thank you for considering a donation—your support helps us continue to grow, inspire, and create opportunities for future generations.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Physiology and Neurobiology seeks to provide a nurturing environment for all students. As a department, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive community for instruction, research, and outreach activities congruent with the mission of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the University.

PNB News

Members of our department are making the latest advancements in science and education and obtaining competitive grants and awards. Check out our PNB News site where we highlight members of our community and the latest PNB news!

Undergraduate Program

Our goal is to prepare our students for diverse careers in research, medicine, biotechnology, government, and many other fields. Undergraduate students in PNB courses are trained to think critically about classic and emerging challenges in the field, as well as a diverse range of tools to take them on.

Graduate Program

Our department offers a Ph.D. program, and M.S. programs that are either thesis or coursework. Our graduate program focuses on the development of technical skills, critical thinking, and effective scientific communication. Our faculty are well funded and work closely with students to engage in cutting-edge research. In addition to these advanced degrees, our department offers a one-year M.S. program in Surgical Neurophysiology for students who are interested in intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM).

Upcoming Events

  • Oct
    7
    PNB Seminar Series: Dr. Show-Ling Shyng
    Torrey Life Sciences Building
    10:30 AM

    On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Dr. Show-Ling Shyng will be here at UConn Physiology and Neurobiology from Oregon Health & Science University, hosted by Dr. Anastasios Tzingounis. Their seminar talk title will be announced shortly.

  • Oct
    9
    Research in Progress (RIP) Talk: Teng Long
    Torrey Life Sciences Building
    12:20 PM

    On Friday, October 9, 2026, Teng Long will be presenting his Research in Progress (RIP) Talk. Teng is a Ph.D. student in the Menuz Lab.

  • Oct
    14
    PNB Seminar Series: Dr. Aaron Milstein
    Torrey Life Sciences Building
    10:30 AM

    On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Dr. Aaron Milstein will be here at UConn Physiology and Neurobiology from Rutgers Health, hosted by Dr. Scott Rich. Their seminar talk title will be announced shortly.

  • Oct
    16
    Research in Progress (RIP) Talk: Michael Jolly Jr.
    Torrey Life Sciences Building
    12:20 PM

    On Friday, October 16, 2026, Michael Jolly will be presenting his Research in Progress (RIP) Talk. Michael is a Ph.D. student in the Mulkey Lab.

Featured Posts

  • Alexandra Salem: Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) Award
    Alexandra Salem was awarded the Summer Undergraduate Research Fund award for her project described below: Patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) are at increased risk of anesthesia-related complications usually involving respiratory insufficiency or cardiac arrythmia.  Preliminary results suggest this phenotype is recapitulated in a mouse model of RTT where delivery of injectable or volatile anesthetic results […]