Lab Members
Principal Investigator
Kat Munley, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology (starting July 2025)
NIGMS F32 NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California Los Angeles (2022-Present)
Ph.D., Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, Indiana University (2022)
Broadly, I am interested in how environmental context, including social and seasonal cues, is integrated via the brain and endocrine system to drive adaptive social behavior. I am currently finishing a NIGMS F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California Los Angeles, where I am studying the neural and molecular regulation of subordinate social status by androgens in the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni in the lab of Beau Alward. Previously, I received my Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior at Indiana University, where I examined how the hormone melatonin regulates seasonal aggression in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) in the lab of Greg Demas. I am thrilled to start my lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta in July 2025!
Fun Fact: In Summer 2024, I received my 200-hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) certification! I practice yoga every day and enjoy sharing my passion for yoga with others through teaching.
Honorary Lab Members
Simba
Lab Mascot
Prince of Purrs, Count of Catnip, and Nobleman of Naptime
Simba is an 11-year-old orange tabby cat. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Simba was adopted in August 2013 when he was just a few weeks old, right after Kat started her first semester of graduate school at Louisiana State University. Simba has been by Kat’s side for most of her scientific journey and has traveled with her across North America in pursuit of her dreams, including Bloomington (Indiana), Houston, Los Angeles, and Edmonton. He enjoys making biscuits on his favorite blanket, getting brushes, napping, and playing with his hair ties and toy mouse.