Michael Ruscio, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Education
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Ph.D.
University of Richmond, Richmond, VA
B.A.
Research Interests
I am a behavioral neuroendocrinologist interested in the neuroendocrine mechanisms associated with affiliative behaviors. I am interested in the degree to which certain social circumstances (living in isolation, with related individuals or with strangers) can be stressful or beneficial relative to the social or mating systems (monogamy vs. polygyny) of different species. I quantify a variety of different neuroendocrine mechanisms, including hormone receptors, neuropeptiderigic activity and neurogenesis. My research program regularly incorporates undergraduates through independent studies and bachelor's essays. See updates on some former research students from my lab by linking here and here.
Courses Taught
Introduction to Psychological Science
Behavioral Neuroscience
Hormones and Behavior
Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience with Lab
Special Topics in Neuroscience
Neuroscience Seminar in Germany
Research Exchange with the University of Bremen, Germany
Publications
Ruscio, M.G., King, S.B., Kinley-Cooper, S.K., McKendrick, G. (2018). Social environment affects central distribution of estrogen receptor alpha in Peromyscus californicus. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 269. 81-87. pdf.
Ruscio, M.G., King, S.B., Haun, H.L. (2015). Social isolation increases cell proliferation in male and cell survival in female California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Physiology and Behavior. 151. 570-576. pdf.
Ruscio, M.G., Korey, C., Birck, A. (2015). Neuroscience and global learning. Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education. 11 (1), A106-A111. pdf