Dr. Becker, associate professor of neuroscience at Lawrence University, is a behavioral neuroendocrinologist studying the neural and hormonal mechanisms of social behavior. Of particular interest, is how the early-life environment (e.g. parental care, drug exposure, social interactions) affects the hormonal milieu of the developing offspring to program lasting changes in 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 and social bonding.  Dr. Becker received a B.A. in psychology and a B.M. in voice performance from Lawrence University, after which she received her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the mentorship of Dr. Catherine Marler. Dr. Becker was a tenured member of the faculty and director of the Behavioral Neuroscience program at St. Joseph's University prior to joining the faculty at Lawrence University in 2020.

Jamie Matthews graduated from the University of Wisconsin Platteville in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, specializing in Zoology, and a minor in Animal Science.