Professor of Molecular Neuroethology
Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies
School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University
Research Focus
Andrés investigates how genes and nervous systems produce behavior, with particular focus on translational applications for human disease. His lab uses human myocytes and C. elegans to study muscular dystrophy, magnetic field navigation, and neural circuit function.
Current Projects
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – C. elegans and human cell models
- Magnetic Field Detection – How animals sense Earth’s magnetic field
- Crustacean Neurogenetics – Developing genetic tools for crayfish research
Research Impact
- 29 publications | 913 citations | $1.47M funding | IF: 4
- Featured in NPR, Scientific American, Nature Reviews
- International collaborations across 6 countries
Student Training Excellence
- 190+ students trained across high school, undergraduate, graduate levels
- 66 student co-authorships on research publications
- 91% STEM career placement rate
Technical Expertise
Molecular biology | Genetics | Behavioral analysis | Optogenetics | Calcium imaging | Advanced microscopy | Automated assays
