University of Washington-Seattle Campus · PhysiologyKim Fear Lab
Jeansok John Kim · Seattle, Washington
Research Focus
Dr. Jeansok John Kim's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding how animals, particularly rodents, process fear and make decisions in the face of threats. The research investigates the brain pathways that govern fear responses, especially in realistic environments where dangers can be ambiguous. By studying these neural dynamics, the lab aims to inform better treatments for trauma-related disorders in humans.
fear conditioningneural pathwaysdecision-makingrodent modelstrauma researchanxiety disordersbehavioral responsescorticolimbic circuitspredatory threats
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how the amygdala relays threat information to influence decision-making.
AIM 02Characterize changes in brain mechanisms following traumatic experiences.
AIM 03Explore the dynamics of neural circuits during predatory threats.
AIM 04Examine the impact of ambivalent threats on behavioral responses.
AIM 05Enhance understanding of nonassociative fear responses in ecological contexts.
Skills the Lab Values
behavioral assaysrodent handlingneuroanatomy techniqueselectrophysiologydata analysis using Pythonimaging techniquessurgical techniques for brain lesioningstatistical modelingreal-time monitoring of animal behavior
Output against the department
Publications155top 48% of dept.136th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations20ktop 14% of dept.40th of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.