
Education
- B.S., 1983, Duke University
- Ph.D., 1991, University of California
https://sites.google.com/d.umn.edu/allen-f-mensinger/
My 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
Murchy, K. A,, Cupp A.R., Amberg, J., Vetter, B.J., Gaikowski, M.P. and A. F. Mensinger. 2015. Evaluation of acoustical barriers for deterring silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. noblis) movement Canadian Journal of Fisheries. Submitted
Maruska, K.P. & Mensinger, A.F. 2015. Directional sound sensitivity in utricular afferents in the toadfish, Opsanus tau. Journal of Experimental Biology. 218: 1759-1766.
Mensinger, A.F. 2015. Multimodal sensory input in the utricle and lateral line of the toadfish, Opsanus tau. Invited peer reviewed book chapter. Fish Hearing and Bioacoustics: An anthology in honor of Arthur N. Popper and Richard R. Fay. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Sisneros, J. editor. In press
Vetter, B.J., Cupp A.R., Fredricks, K.T. Gaikowski, M.P. & Mensinger, A.F. 2015. Acoustical deterrence of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Biological Invasions, In press.
Leino, J. & Mensinger A.F. 2015 Interspecific competition between the round goby, Neogobius melanostomus, and the logperch, Percina caprodes, in the Duluth-Superior Harbor. Ecology of Freshwater Fish. In press
Harrington, K.A., Hrabik, T.R. & Mensinger, A.F. 2015. Visual sensitivity of deepwater fishes of Lake Superior. PLoS ONE 10(2): e0116173.
Current Extramural Support
NSF 1354745 Mensinger (PI) 8/1/2014 to 7/31/2017
Sound localization in free swimming fish: multimodal sensory integration $340K
NSF 1359230 Mensinger (PI) 5/1/2014 to 4/30/2017
REU: Biological Discovery in Woods Hole $360K
Minnesota Environmental Trust Fund Mensinger (PI) 7/1/2014 to 6/30/2017
Bioacoustics to Detect, Deter and Eliminate Flying Carp $260K
Teaches
BIOL 3703 Animal Physiology
BIOL 3760 Marine Biology
BIOL 5772 Neural Mechanisms of Behavior
IBS 8103 Comparative Animal Physiology
Current Graduate Student Projects
- Noland Michels (Ph.D., Integrated Biosciences)
Previous Graduate Students
- L.J. Rogers (M.S., Integrated Biolsciences)
Emily Cardinal
Maya Enriquez (DOVE Fellow)
Kelsie Murchy
Brooke Vetter
Previous UROP Student
Jessica Schul