Halloran Lab
Understanding the Brain, One Circuit at a Time
The Halloran Lab at Colby College investigates neural development, axon guidance, and circuit formation using genetic, imaging, and behavioral approaches in zebrafish and other vertebrate models.
Signatories
Practice Areas
01
Axon Guidance & Pathfinding
We study the molecular signals that direct growing axons to their correct targets during embryonic development, with a focus on guidance receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and their downstream signaling cascades.
02
Neural Circuit Formation
Our lab maps how initial wiring events translate into functional neural circuits, combining live confocal imaging in transparent zebrafish embryos with behavioral assays to link structure to function.
03
Zebrafish Genetics & Imaging
We maintain transgenic and mutant zebrafish lines, perform CRISPR-based gene editing, and leverage light-sheet and two-photon microscopy to observe neural development in real time at single-cell resolution.
04
Undergraduate Research Training
Every project in the lab is designed to give Colby undergraduates hands-on experience in molecular cloning, microscopy, data analysis, and scientific communication — preparing them for graduate programs and careers in science.
Method Notes
01
Identify the Question
Each project begins with a specific developmental neuroscience question rooted in current literature. We design experiments that can be addressed with zebrafish genetics and in vivo imaging.
02
Experiment & Observe
Students and postdocs carry out genetic manipulations, collect time-lapse imaging data, and perform behavioral screens, often generating thousands of frames of high-resolution neural development footage.
03
Analyze & Publish
Quantitative image analysis and statistical modeling turn raw data into mechanistic insights. Results are presented at conferences and submitted to peer-reviewed journals with undergraduate co-authors.
Citations
"Working in the Halloran Lab gave me the skills and confidence to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. The mentorship I received — from experimental design to scientific writing — was foundational to my career."
"The lab culture is rigorous but supportive. I presented my research at two national conferences before graduation and co-authored a paper that is still one of the proudest achievements of my life."
Fee Schedule
| Line Item | Summer Research Fellowship | Academic Year Position | Honors Thesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | 10 weeks | Ongoing | Senior Year |
| Cadence | Engagement | Engagement | Engagement |
| Scope | Full-time lab immersion • Stipend provided through Colby funding • Independent project with faculty mentorship | 6–10 hours per week during semester • Credit toward biology or neuroscience major • Access to advanced imaging equipment | Year-long independent research project • Weekly one-on-one advising • Departmental presentation and written thesis |
FAQ
Questions before a higher-trust client reaches out
Keep the tone measured and plain. This should read like a real document, not promo copy.
We welcome students from any year at Colby with an interest in neuroscience or developmental biology. Email us to set up an introductory meeting — no prior lab experience is required, though coursework in biology or chemistry is helpful.
We primarily use zebrafish (Danio rerio). Their transparent embryos, rapid development, and genetic tractability make them an ideal system for watching neural development unfold in real time.
Yes. The lab is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and internal Colby College funding, which also provides stipends for summer research students.
Absolutely. Many of our most successful researchers started in the lab during their first year. We pair new students with experienced mentors and ramp up project complexity as skills develop.
Our alumni have gone on to PhD and MD/PhD programs at institutions including UW–Madison, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and UCSF, as well as careers in biotech, science policy, and science education.
Contact
Interested in Our Work?
Whether you're a prospective student, a collaborator, or a fellow researcher, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to discuss the lab's current projects or opportunities to get involved.
- Emailhalloran-lab@colby.edu
- Based InOlin Science Center, Colby College, Waterville, ME 04901