AI IMIAGE

Human Impacts on Brains and Behavior

4-weeks (last 4) | Registration opens 8/28/2026 9:00 AM EDT

10/23/2026-11/13/2026
3:20 PM-4:35 PM EDT on Fri
11/13/2026

Human Impacts on Brains and Behavior

4-weeks (last 4) | Registration opens 8/28/2026 9:00 AM EDT

This four-week course will delve into the newest subfield in neuroscience: Environmental Neuroscience. Humans and all other animals (indeed, all living things) are faced with incredible challenges as we live in a world changing rapidly in response to the many impacts we humans are having on planet Earth-- from warming temperatures and extreme weather, to noise and night light pollution, to a massive arsenal of environmental chemicals. We will delve into these issues and seek insights into how animals--including humans--are affected and are responding and adapting to these environmental pressures.

  • Suggested Readings: Readings will be provided as pdf documents or web links in advance of the class. The readings will be a mixture of scientific articles and news articles or other media.

Kate Susman

Kate Susman, Ph.D., Professor of Biology at Vassar College on the Jacob P. Giraud Jr. Endowed Chair of Natural History, studies the toxic behavioral and neural effects of common pesticides in soil organisms. The research, previously funded by the NIH, concerns links between neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and pesticide exposure. She is currently on the Environmental Management Council for the Dutchess County Legislature and writes and podcasts extensively for multiple audiences through her website, Modern Marinade.