Animal Behavior Core

The Animal Behavior Core (ABC) offers interested investigators a time-efficient, cost-effective opportunity to examine the behavioral consequences of gene mutations as well as assess the effects of specific drugs, experimental manipulations (e.g., neuronal loss), or altered development on behavior in laboratory rodents.  Services include consultation, animal handling, behavioral testing, data management, statistical analysis, and help in writing manuscripts and grant proposals.  Behavioral testing and related services are conducted by ABC personnel and are available to all Washington University  investigators on a fee-for-services basis.  The ABC offers many behavioral tests which may be organized into specific functional domains: 1) sensorimotor functions; 2) learning and memory; 3) altered emotionality; 4) social behaviors and interactions; and 5) sensory-based behaviors.

Service available to All entities, including for-profit organizations.

Priority service for All entities, including for-profit organizations.

Additional information:

Currently, holders of NICHD grants are given priority, with faculty members of the Washington University Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center having elevated priority within the larger group.  However, access priority is usually not a problem.​​​

• Consultation
• Behavioral testing
• Animal handling
• Data management
• Statistical analysis
• Manuscript and grant writing
• Behavioral test modification and development

• Behavioral testing equipment is operated only by ABC personnel.
• Personnel authorized to operate equipment and provide advice on behavioral testing issues:
• Faculty Advisor: Joshua Dearborn, PhD
• Research Lab Supervisor: Sara Conyers, MA
• Research Technician: Amanda Titus
• Research Assistant: Katherine McCullough
• Research Technician: Kate Reardon
• Research Technician: Raylynn Swift

Please contact this core directly for pricing information.