Norcross Email

Janet L. Norcross, Ph.D.

A.B. (Biology/German) ­ Lafayette College

M.A. (Biology - emphasis in Behavioral Ecology) ­ College of William and Mary

Ph.D. (Zoology-emphasis in Behavioral Endocrinology) ­ University of Maryland

Research Interests:

Behavioral Endocrinology examining the mechanisms involved in the development of social, vocal and reproductive behavior in pair-bonding species.

My research has explored the hormonal bases of behavior using a pair-bonding nonhuman primate, the common marmoset, as a model. In this species, offspring remain with the parents and participate in the care of subsequent siblings well into their own adulthood. These helpers are reproductively suppressed through a currently unidentified mechanism. Specifically, my research has investigated the temporal development of appropriate adult-like behavior, including territorial and vocal behavior, in these helpers when they are removed from their family groups and paired with an unfamiliar potential mate. Further, to investigate mechanisms that may lead to reproductive behavior and the formation of pair bonds, I have investigated the behavioral, adrenal and gonadal responses of individuals to separation from familiar conspecifics using different social separation paradigms.

Recent Publications:

Norcross, J.L, Newman, J.D. & L.M. Cofrancesco. 1999. Sex and context differences exist in the acoustic structure of phee calls by newly-paired common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Am. J. Primat., 49:165-181

Norcross, J.L. & J.D. Newman. 1999. Effects of separation and novelty on distress vocalizations and cortisol in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Am. J. Primat., 47:209-222

Norcross, J.L. & J.D. Newman. 1998. Gender is represented in phee calls produced by prepubertal common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Am. J. Primat., 45(2):197-198.

Roberts, R.L., Norcross, J.L. & J.D. Newman. 1998. Effects of social housing on steroid levels in common marmosets. 2nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Atlanta, GA. (abstract)

Norcross, J.L. & J.D. Newman. 1997. Social context affects phee call production by nonreproductive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Am. J. Primat., 43:135-145

Norcross, J.L. & J.D. Newman. 1995. Exposure to unfamiliar conspecifics alters hormones and behavior in the common marmoset. Am. J. Primat., 36(2):146.

Norcross, J.L., Newman, J.D. & W. Fitch. 1994. Responses to natural and synthetic phee calls by common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Am. J. Primat., 33:15-29