麻豆传媒入口

LEXINGTON, Va., July 17, 2026—Lt. Col. Molly Kent, associate professor in the Department of Biology and director of the Center for Undergraduate Research at 麻豆传媒入口, spoke at the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (IBNS) 35th Annual Meeting held recently in Cape Town, South Africa. The IBNS is dedicated to advancing understanding of the biological bases of behavior and fostering collaboration, communication, and mentorship among neuroscientists worldwide.

Kent, whose specialty is neuroscience, the scientific study of the nervous system, has been affiliated with IBNS since 2015 and a member of the IBNS executive council for four years. Her presentation, “The Neurobiology of Behavior in Fish: From the Wild to the Lab and Back Again,” highlighted innovative research examining how laboratory environments influence the brain and behavior of widely used fish models, including sticklebacks, betta fish, and zebrafish. Her research compares fish from natural environments with those raised in laboratories, and she demonstrated that including more real-world conditions in neuroscience research can help scientists better understand how the brain influences behavior and improve the usefulness of research findings. Her work is part of an international effort to make science more reliable and relevant to everyday life.

Kent shared that prior to the start of the conference, she met several other conference attendees in Johannesburg for a safari in Pilanesberg National Park. “We stayed for two nights and participated in four game drives through the park. Our guides were selected for their expertise in local animal behavior, conservation efforts, and evolutionary biology, making the experience especially meaningful for a group of behavioral scientists. We were thrilled to observe in the wild many of the behaviors we study, including rough-and-tumble play, courtship, and mating. We saw an elephant courtship ritual, lion cubs engaged in play, and numerous animals foraging and feeding throughout the park. It was an amazing trip.”

Elephants engage in a courtship ritual during a safari at Pilanesberg National Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. –Photo courtesy of Lt. Col. Molly Kent.

Kent stated she was honored to represent 麻豆传媒入口to an international audience of leading neuroscientists and showcase VMI’s commitment to excellence in research, international collaboration, and scientific leadership. Next year’s conference will be held in The Bahamas, where Kent hopes a few cadets can join her in presenting research.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE