The Comparative Vertebrate Neurodegeneration lab (CVN) 

The CVN lab at the University of Alabama uses a combination of vertebrate morphology, neuroscience, and 3D imaging to study vertebrate neurodegeneration. Our research focuses on the anatomy and neuroscience of traumatic brain injury in headbutting animals like goats and woodpeckers to better understand human disease.

CVN lab logo by sciencegraphicdesign.com

Follow the CVN lab on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/cvn.lab/

Dr. Nicole Ackermans (she/her)

Dr. Ackermans’ research profile combines evolutionary biology and vertebrate morphology. Currently, her work focuses on using extreme animal anatomy to address human problems.

Her PhD focused on the evolutionary aspects of diet in relation to vertebrate herbivory. Her postdoctoral project explored the skull and brain anatomy of combative bovids and their relationship to traumatic brain injury.

​”I would be happy to identify that random bone you found in the forest”

Dr. Ackermans is also an award-winning podcaster and currently the science correspondent for the Daily Tech News Show, making monthly appearances to break down science news.