Dr. Becker is a behavioral neuroendocrinologist studying the neural and hormonal mechanisms of social behavior. Of particular interest, is how early life experiences including parental behavior and drug exposure impacts development of offspring brain and behavior. Her integrative research program combines techniques and theories from behavioral neuroscience, behavioral ecology and experimental psychology.
The Becker lab works with the monogamous and territorial California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), which is a model system for exploration of parental investment on offspring development. Both males and females of this species provide high levels of care that are necessary for offspring survival.
Dr. Becker received a B.A. in psychology and a B.M. in voice performance from Lawrence University. She received her Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Becker was associate professor of psychology and director of the Behavioral Neuroscience Program at St. Joseph's University prior to joining the faculty at Lawrence in 2020.
