Phone: (413) 585-3822
Office: Sabin-Reed Hall 304
Email: rolivo@science.smith.edu
Website:

Courses:

Spring

Bio 300 Neurophysiology
Bio 301 Neurophysiology Laboratory

Research Interests:

Neurobiology, with an emphasis on simple systems. More specifically, my research has focused on the control of eye movements in crayfish and its modulation by behavioral arousal. In recent years, emphasis has shifted to the use of computers in neuroscience for data-acquisition, imaging and teaching. A simulation of retinal ganglion cell function (MacRetina, available in the BioQUEST Library) is widely used, and an online laboratory manual for neurophysiology presents instructions and digital videos as open courseware. In addition, as an Associate Director of the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University, I designed and maintain an extensive Web site with resources for improving undergraduate education.

Representative Publications:

Olivo, R. F. 2003. An online lab manual for neurophysiology. Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education 2(1): A16-A23.

Web site for Biological Sciences 330/331, Neurophysiology, Smith College.

Web site for the Derek Bok Center, Harvard University.