Ginger E. Carney

The Carney laboratory investigates the genetic underpinnings of social behaviors, including reproductive behaviors. Identifying the genes modulating social behaviors and determining their cellular functions is the cornerstone of Carney lab research. Our traditional study system is the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, although we are now pursuing similar questions in the African killifish Nothobranchius.

I am a proud graduate of the University of Georgia with B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Genetics. I moved to Oregon State University as an NIH-sponsored postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Barbara J. Taylor where I developed my interests in understanding how gene expression impacts behaviors. After a two-year stint as a faculty member at Georgia Institute of Technology, I moved to Texas A&M as an assistant professor, rising through the ranks to professor. I moved to the University of Idaho in 2017.

Genetics of reproductive behaviors:

We use forward and reverse genetic as well as transcriptomic approaches to identify protein-coding and microRNA-encoding loci that modulate reproductive behaviors. Our aim is to decode the tissues in which the genes function, their interactions with gene signaling pathways, and their specific molecular activities related to behavior.

Physiology and behavior:

We use molecular and genetic approaches to evaluate how signals from adipose tissue modulate neural signaling and behavior. These strategies include determining how diet affects motivation and performance of reproductive behaviors and how hormones influence behavior.

• University of Idaho Spring Commencement speaker, 2021
• Fellow, Western Academic Leadership Academy, 2018-2019
• Fellow, Southeastern Conference Academic Leadership Development Program, 2015-2016
• NSF ADVANCE Administrative Fellow, College of Science, Texas A&M, 2013-2014
• Outstanding Service and Leadership Award, Texas A&M Women’s Faculty Network, 2012
• College of Science and Association of Former Students Distinguished Teaching Award, Texas A&M, 2009
• Center for Teaching Excellence 25th Anniversary W Course Teaching Award, Texas A&M, 2008
• Physicians Centre Hospital Texas A&M Faculty Guest Coach (student nominated), 2008, 2010
• Genes and Behavior Gordon Conference Travel Award, 2004
• NIH NRSA for post-doctoral training, 1999-2002
• NIH NRSA for pre-doctoral training,1995-1998
• University of Georgia University-wide Fellowship for pre-doctoral training, 1992-1995
• Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society
• Golden Key National Honor Society