Darcy B. Kelley

Through a broadly multidisciplinary approach, studies the neurobiology and evolution of vocal communication (courtship song) and the sexual differentiation of the underlying neural circuits in Xenopus. The novel fictive singing brain led to discovering a vocal pattern generator responsive to socially salient cues that switch vocal patterns. Influential science educator who developed the Frontiers of Science course for all entering students at Columbia College. Through work on the portrayal of science in theater, radio and film and her public speaking, she also encouraged the portrayal of the excitement and creativity of science and scientists to the public. She became a Howard Hughes Medical Institute professor in 2002.