Roy Harpaz

My research interests lie at the intersection between ethology and neuroscience. I study collective behavior and examine how social information shapes dynamic and complex individual behaviors. In my current research I study zebrafish as an animal model, since these vertebrates show a myriad of complex behaviors, from instantaneous movement decisions in a shoal of fish to complex foraging strategies and learning. The vast genetic and imaging capabilities available in this species allows for the study of the neurobiological underpinning of its complex behavioral algorithms. In essence, I believe that one must understand (natural) behavior well, in order to properly study the underlying neural mechanisms of these behaviors.

 

Additionally, I am highly interested in statistical modeling and in learning statistical methodology, and hold a strong passion for teaching statistics and its proper use in science. A few years ago, I have established (together with others) a new introductory course in statistics for the Life Sciences at the Weizmann Institute of Science. This learning opportunity was not available previously at the institute, and has received great support from the board of studies, turning it to a mandatory course in the MSc and PhD programs in the Life Sciences. I hope that the students taking this course find it constructive and helpful in their own research. 

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At Harvard I've been focusing on tutoring students on how to use mathematical modeling to solve real-life problems as part for the courses 'Mathematics for Biologists'  and 'Neural circuits and Behavior'.