Behind the Work of the Rutherford Lab

Our lab studies the impact of drugs and environmental stressors on the physiological and behavioral expression of stress responses in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model.

We are particularly interested in investigating the anti-anxiety potential of supplements and repurposed pharmacological compounds. Future work from our lab will contribute to a better understanding of how drug and stress exposure during different stages of development influences the long-term expression of stress responses in both males and females. Ultimately, the goal of our work is to better understand vulnerability to stress-related conditions, like anxiety disorders.