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ALLEN
MENSINGER,
Associate
Professor
B.S., 1983, Duke University
Ph.D., 1991, University of California
amensing@d.umn.edu
Allen Mensinger's
Web Page
13 SSB, 726-7259
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laboratory is interested in the neural mechanisms of behavior. We are
interested in how fish detect, integrate and respond to external cues
in the environment. To achieve this goals, we have developed an implantable
electrode and telemetry system to record physiological signals from free
swimming fish.
The
majority of the research has focused on the marine teleost, Opsanus
tau. This work is conducted at the Marine Biological Laboratory in
Woods Hole, MA during the summer months. In addition to neurophysiology,
we also conduct ecological, behavioral and mariculture studies. During
the academic year, Dr. Mensinger’s graduate students are investigating
lateral line sensitivity in catfish, optic nerve regeneration in sunfish
and competitive interactions between native and exotic fish. Dedicated
undergraduate students are encouraged to contact the laboratory about
research opportunities.
Research:
My
main interest is the neural mechanism of behavior. The lab spends the
academic year working with freshwater fish and then travels to the Marine
Biological Lab in Woods Hole, MA to continue our long standing toadfish
projects. Although neurophysiology is the main focus of the lab, you
will find both graduate and undergraduate students pursuing a wide variety
of projects such as nerve regeneration, predator prey interactions and
aquaculture.
Recent
Publications:
- Mensinger AF, Tubbs ME.
Effects of temperature and diet on the growth rate of year 0 oyster
toadfish, Opsanus tau.
Biological Bulletin 210 (1): 64-71 Feb 2006
- Palmer LM, Deffenbaugh M, Mensinger AF.
Sensitivity of the anterior lateral line to natural stimuli in the
oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau (Linnaeus)
Journal of Experimental Biology 208 (18): 3441-3450 Sep 2005
- Mensinger AF, Walsh PJ, Hanlon RT.
Blood biochemistry of the oyster toadfish Journal of Animal Health 17 (2): 170-176 Jun 2005
- Mensinger AF, Palmer LM.
Detection of free swimming prey via the lateral line in the toadfish,
Opsanus tau.
Integrative and Comparative Biology. 44 (6): 603-603 Dec 2004
- Palmer LM, Mensinger AF.
Effect of the anesthetic tricaine (MS-222) on nerve activity in the
anterior lateral line of the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau.
Journal of Neurophysiology. 92 (2): 1034-1041 Aug 2004
- Palmer,
L.M., and A. F. Mensinger. 2004. Effect of the anesthetic tricaine
(MS-222) on nerve activity in the anterior lateral line of the oyster
toadfish, Opsanus tau. Journal of Neurophysiology.
92:1034-1041.
- Richmond
, H.E., T.R. Hrabik and A. F. Mensinger. 2004. Light intensity,
prey detection and foraging mechanisms of age 0 year yellow perch. Journal
of Fish Biology. 65:195-205.
- Palmer,
L. M. B. A. Guiffrida, and A. F. Mensinger. 2003. Neural Recordings
from the lateral line in free-swimming toadfish, Opsanus tau. Biol.
Bull. Vol. 205, pp 216 - 218.
- Mensinger,
A. F., N. E. Price, H.E. Richmond, J. W. Forsythe, and R. T. Hanlon.
(2003). Mariculture of the Oyster Toadfish: Juvenile Growth and Survival.
North American Journal of Aquaculture vol 65, pp. 289-299.
Teaches:
- BIOL 1011
General Biology I
- BIOL 3703
Animal Physiology
- 5760 Physiology
of Fishes
- BIOL 5772
Neural Mechanisms of Behavior
- BIOL 5990
Current Topics in Neurobiology
Current
Graduate Students:
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Margot
Bergstrom - Sensory physiology and competitive interactions of the
round goby
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Nicole
Siegler - Olfactory recordings from free swimming steelhead trout
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Ben
Thwaits - Olfactory sensitivity of steelhead trout to bile acids
Current
UROP Students:
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