Welcome to the UNC Biobehavioral Lab!
The Biobehavioral Laboratory (BBL) was initiated in 1989 as part of the Research Support Center (RSC) and the UNC School of Nursing. The term biobehavioral refers to the interface of biological and psychosocial factors that underlie individual responses to acute and chronic illness. Since inception, the BBL has expanded in its mission to enhance knowledge and skills in biobehavioral science, physiological measurement and instrumentation. For more information, select instrumentation and equipment.
What distinguishes the BBL from other clinical laboratories is its emphasis on non-invasive monitoring and use of portable instrumentation. The laboratory houses a number of instruments for the monitoring of physiologic parameters such as electrical brain activity, cardiac output, oxygenation, body composition and heart rate responses. The laboratory facility supports on-site sleep research and other measurements of interest to faculty and students. This includes a brand-new epigenetics lab which contains an ABI 7500 RT-PCR system by Applied Biosystems, equipment for Western blots, mRNA isolation, fluorescent probe generation, and hybridization. The BBL also has been expanded to include a brand-new nutritional research and behavioral observation suite. This suite houses an observational room equipped with 6 in-wall cameras and a monitoring room with the latest video recording and editing software. For more information, select the navigation links along the top labeled research, core scientists and equipment.
The BBL staff is committed to assisting and promoting faculty and graduate students' efforts in the use of biobehavioral measures and physiological parameters in their research. The BBL is located on the ground floor of Carrington Hall, Rooms 10 and 03. Faculty and graduate students are encouraged to visit. For more information on how to request equipment or a research consultation with BBL faculty, feel free to call 966-7598 or email us at sonbbl@unc.edu.
TASK FORCE MEMBERS
SCHOOL OF NURSING:
Virginia Neelon R.N., Ph.D. (966-1410)
Barbara Waag Carlson R.N., Ph.D. (966-9416)
Joanne Harrell R.N., Ph.D., F.A.A.N. (966-4284)
Pamela Johnson Rowsey R.N., Ph.D. (966-1075)
Suzanne Thoyre R.N., Ph.D. (966-8418)
Susan Brunssen R.N., Ph.D. (966-2433)
Debra Barksdale R.N., Ph.D. (843-2479)
Deborah Hutchinson Allen R.N., MSN, FNP (Doctoral Student)
Brant Nix B.A., BMET (966-7598)
DEPARTMENT OF EXERCISE AND SPORT MEDICINE:
Robert McMurray Ph.D. (962-1371)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING:
Henry Hsiao Ph.D. (966-2188)
Mark Tommerdahl Ph.D. (966-8985)
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS:
Billie Moats-Staats Ph.D. (966-4435)
Lab Personnel
DIRECTOR:
Virginia Neelon, PhD., RN
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR:
Barbara Carlson, PhD., RN
LAB MANAGER:
Brant Nix, B.A., BMET
LAB RESEARCH SPECIALIST:
Amanda Willis, B.S.
Contact Us
Please consult the calendar linked at the top of the page and email us to schedule a tour or an appointment!