Research in the Lauderdale laboratory seeks to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying development of the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) by studying development of the vertebrate forebrain and visual system. They study these systems by taking advantage of mutations that affect development of the brain and eye in humans, mice, and zebrafish. Because genetic approaches do not rely on previous assumptions, details about the mechanisms mediating development of the visual system and forebrain can be uncovered that might not be identifiable using other means.