An upcoming University Lecture will explore the science behind animal and human emotions.
Jaak Panksepp, professor and the Bernice Gilman Baily and Joseph Baily Endowed Chair in Animal Well-Being Science at Washington State University, will deliver a lecture, “The Emotional Feelings of Other (Animal) Brains: From Cross-Species Neuro-Affection Foundations to Novel Psychiatric Therapeutics,” Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. in Uris Hall, G01.
Panksepp’s research focuses on the neuroanatomical, neurochemical and affective nature of core emotional systems in the mammalian brain. His work on the emotions of animals, including systems for seeking, rage, fear, care, panic and play, suggests close similarities to human brains and sheds light on the neuro-evolutionary mechanisms of social bonds. Improved understanding of emotional states and functions of animals, and their correlation to human emotions, may help treat psychiatric disorders in human beings.
“Jaak Panksepp teaches us of the strong psychological commonalities across species. And he brings to the Cornell community a novel perspective on biology and culture,” said Roald Hoffmann, the Frank H. T. Rhodes Professor of Humane Letters Emeritus.
Panksepp earned a doctorate in 1969 in physiological psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has authored more than 200 papers and has edited and written numerous books.
