Eric Bauer
Assistant Professor of Biology
Department: Biology
Email: ebauer@elon.edu
Phone number: (336) 278-6162
Professional Expertise
News & Notes
Education
BA, Biology with Neuroscience concentration - Cornell University
PhD, Zoology - University of Texas at Austin
Employment History
2014 to present - Assistant Professor, Elon University
2008 to 2014 - Adjunct Assistant Professor, Elon University
2008 to 2020 - Adjunct Professor, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
2006 to 2008 - Assistant Professor, Hiram College
Courses Taught
General Biology (nonmajors)
Winter Term Current Issues in Biology, for nonmajors (ex: genetic engineering, biology of monsters, science in the media)
Cell Biology lecture and lab
Human Anatomy lecture and lab
Human Physiology lecture and lab
Intro to Neurophysiology
Developmental Biology
Neuroscience Seminar
The Global Experience
Animal Behavior
Leadership Positions
Research
Neuroethology
Neurotoxicology
Current Projects
I am interested in a variety of questions, all of which are addressed using the "model organism" zebrafish.
My undergraduate research program involves toxicological screening of chemicals for potential harm to the brains of animals. Most of the hundreds of thousands of chemicals manufactured by humans have not been tested for adverse effects on animals, including humans. My lab employs a screening protocol that is a quick-and-dirty first pass to identify chemicals worthy of more-detailed investigation. We look at the behaviors of adult fish after being treated with chemicals. Behaviors are created by brains, and the behavioral output and repertoir of an animal is the result of complex neurological processes and interactions within their brain in response to external and internal cues. If we take a metaphorical sledgehammer to the finely honed machine that is the brain, then we will see the result of any impact to the functioning of that machine as changes in the behaviors of the animal.
The "sledgehammer" we are interested in are flavor additives to vape fluids. We expose fish to a flavorant and then observe the fish's response to a novel experience. A normal fish behaves in a specific and stereotyped manner. A fish whose brain is functioning differently because of the flavorant may display a different behavior. The specific difference in behavior can point to a specific region of the brain that has been altered by the chemical.
Grants Awarded
Elon University ATACC Grant, 2016 - Creation of Digitized 3D models of Human Bones for Student Download
Elon University CATL Teaching and Learning Grant, 2012 - Teaching Students Neural Functioning Through Direct Experience with Action Potential Recordings
Publications
Bauer EE, Coleman MJ, Roberts TF, Roy A, Prather J, Mooney R. A synaptic basis for auditory-vocal integration in the songbird. J. Neurosci, 2008.
Murakami SL, Cunningham LL, Werner LA, Bauer EE, Pujol R., Raible DW, Rubel EW. Developmental differences in susceptibility to neomycin-induced hair cell death in the lateral line neuromasts of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Hear Res 186: 47-56, 2003.
Pollak GD, Klug A, Bauer EE. Processing and representation of species-specific communication calls in the auditory system of bats. Int Rev Neurobiol, 56: 83-121, 2003.
Bauer EE, Klug A, Pollak GD. Spectral determination of responses to species specific calls in the dorsal nucleus of the lateal lemniscus. J. Neurophysiol 88: 1955-1967, 2002.
Klug A, Bauer EE, Hanson JT, Hurley L, Meitzen J, Pollak GD. Response selectivity for species-specific calls in the inferior colliculus of mexican free-tailed bats is generated by inhibition. J. Neurophysiol 88: 1941-1954, 2002.
Pollak GD, Burger RM, Park TJ, Klug A., Bauer EE. Roles of inhibition for transforming binaural properties in the brainstem auditory system. Hear Res 168: 60-78, 2002.
Klug A, Khan A, Burger RM, Bauer EE, Hurley LM, Yang L, Grothe B, Halvorsen MB, Park TJ. Latency as a function of intensity in auditory neurons: influences of central processing. Hear Res 148: 107-123, 2000.
Bauer EE*, Klug A*, Pollak GD. Features of contralaterally evoked inhibition in the Inferior Colliculus. Hear Res 141: 80-96, 2000. * - Co-first authors
Klug A*, Bauer EE*, Pollak GD. Multiple components of ipsilaterally evoked inhibition in the inferior colliculus. J. Neurophysiol 82: 593–610, 1999. * - Co-first authors
Gilbert C, Bauer EE. Resistance reflex that maintains upright head posture in the flesh fly Neobellieria bullata (Sarcophagidae). J. Exp Biology 201: 2735-2744,1998.
Service Activities
Academic Technology Committee
Math/Science Curriculum Committee
Neuroscience Minor Advisory Committee
Library Committee
Academic Standing Committee
Biology Club Faculty Advisor
BBB Honors Society Faculty Advisor
Skills
3D scanning using Agisoft PhotoScan
3D scanning using Afinia360
3D design using Sketchup
3D printing