Ann Kennedy, PhD

The Kennedy Lab studies the underlying neuroscience and brain structures that give rise to fundamental behaviors related to fear, survival and social interactions. By better understanding the neural activities that guide our decision-making and behavior, Dr. Kennedy's work aims to reveal insights about the guiding principles of behavior, as well as what happens in cases of dysfunctions—for example, social dysfunction or excessive fear and anxiety.

Her lab at Scripps Research focuses on how the brain learns, makes decisions and works toward goals. In particular, she researches how neural populations represent sensory and internal data by looking at various brain structures, such as the hypothalamus and its role in social and defensive behavior; the basal ganglia’s part in influencing certain behaviors; and the hippocampus’ activity related to social-bond formation. Using tools from dynamical systems, statistical modeling and machine learning, her lab will reveal key insights into flexible and adaptive behavior control.