When Dr.Jacqueline Crawley designed this ingenious apparatus*, she created more than a research tool—she sparked a new way of understanding one of our most complex neurological conditions.
By 2025, autism research has reached new heights thanks to pioneers like Crawley, whose innovative mouse models reshaped how scientists study and understand the disorder.
🔬 The Scientific Detective
Jacqueline Crawley’s journey began with degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland, followed by postdoctoral research at Yale. For nearly three decades, she led the Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience at the National Institute of Mental Health before joining the UC Davis MIND Institute in 2012.
What makes her work so important? While most of us recognize autism through behavioral signs in humans—difficulty with social interactions, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors—Crawley developed ingenious ways to study these same behaviors in mice.
🐁 Dr.Jacqueline Crawley on Making Mouse Models Matter
Imagine trying to understand how a child with autism experiences the world. Now imagine doing that with mice who can’t tell us what they’re feeling. This is where Crawley’s brilliance shines.
She created the three-chambered apparatus—a specialized setup that allows researchers to measure how mice interact socially. This tool transformed autism research, becoming the standard method for evaluating potential treatments.
Just as humans with autism might show less interest in social interaction, mice with autism-like genetic changes show measurable differences in how they approach other mice versus objects. Dr.Jacqueline Crawley’s model made these patterns quantifiable—offering scientists a reliable way to test new treatments.
💊 From Lab Discoveries to Human Treatments
As genetic research uncovered more than 100 mutations associated with autism, Crawley’s methods became essential for linking these genetic factors to real-world behaviors.
In one key study, her team found that a drug called R-baclofen improved social interaction in mice with genetic variations found in some autistic individuals—offering a potential path for targeted treatments.
📚 A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Crawley’s influence extends far beyond her lab. Her book, What’s Wrong With My Mouse?, has helped researchers around the world design smarter studies.
With over 275 publications and 36,000+ citations, her impact is undeniable. She’s received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Scientist Award from the International Behavioral and Neural Genetics Society.
As scientists continue searching for better autism treatments, Crawley’s work remains a cornerstone—offering both clarity and hope.
*Glossary: Apparatus – A set of tools or equipment used for a specific task. It helps you do something more easily or correctly.