How does the brain know where a sound is coming from, and how do social bonds, genetics, and environment change how we hear? In the McCullagh Lab at Oklahoma State University, we study the neural circuitry of the auditory system to understand how the brain processes and prioritizes sound.

Our research takes a multidisciplinary approach across three core areas:

• Autism & Neurodevelopment: Investigating auditory hypersensitivity and sound localization difficulties in Fragile X Syndrome to target underlying mechanisms.
• Social Tunning & Neuroendocrinology: Exploring how social mechanisms and hormones like oxytocin shape how mammals hear and prioritize meaningful sounds, such as the voices of loved ones.
• Evolutionary Diversity: Studying unique adaptations in wild rodents and novel model organisms to see how environmental and social needs drive auditory evolution.

Using modern neuroscience techniques—ranging from in vivo and in vitro physiology to circuit-level optogenetics and behavioral assays—we aim to uncover how sensory systems adapt and change throughout life. Beyond the bench, our mission is to train the next generation of scientists and break down barriers to foster a justice, access, and community-impact-focused research space.