Joseph E. Steinmetz

University Distinguished Professor

jsteinmetz@ku.edu

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
200 Strong Hall
1450 Jayhawk Blvd
Lawrence KS 66044

Phone: 785-864-3661
Fax:785-864-5331

Academic Department

Molecular Bioscience and Psychology

Research Specialty

The neurobiology of learning and memory-how memories are encoded, stored, and retrieved in the mammalian brain-utilizing a variety of neuroscience techniques. Of especial interest is the cerebellum and its role in the acquisition and expression of classical eyeblink conditioning, a simple form of motor learning. His current work utilizes eyeblink conditioning to study the damaging effects of binge-like alcohol exposure on the developing cerebellum, and separately, disturbances in temporal motor coordination, similar to those seen in schizophrenic patients.

Awards

• Troland Research Award (National Academy of Sciences)
• Fellow, Association for Psychological Science
• Fellow, American Psychological Association

Professional Memberships

• Society of Experimental Psychologists
• Pavlovian Societyn
• Society for Neuroscience

Degrees

• Undergraduate: B.S., Central Michigan University
• Graduate degree: M.A., Central Michigan University Ph.D. Ohio University

For More Information

• Joseph Steinmetz staff page

Why Study at the University of Kansas?

As Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, I often tell students a liberal arts and science education from KU will provide them with the intellectual tools to deal effectively with the many changes they face in their lifetime, changes that will affect what positions and jobs they will hold, where they will live, their relationships with family and friends and their effectiveness as a citizen in our society. In essence, the College at KU is attempting to present students with a variety of learning experiences that hone a variety of basic academic skills that can be used in a variety of situations. We are attempting to enhance the analytic and creative thinking capacities of students, to bolster problem-solving skills and to expand our students’ understanding and appreciation of the country’s and world’s varied cultures and peoples. Graduate students who study at KU have the opportunity to work closely with some of the world’s leading scholars in a number of fields within the humanities, social sciences and natural and mathematical sciences.