My research examines how environmental conditions, early-life experiences, and social context shape behavior, morphology, and physiology across species. I focus on how early-life stressors affect developmental instability, aggression, dominance, and reproductive function. These studies span rodents, primates, and humans, offering comparative insights into developmental plasticity and environmental sensitivity.

A second line of my work investigates how animals perceive and respond to threats—ranging from unfamiliar predators to acute stressors—and how these responses vary with temperament, experience, and social dynamics. I also collaborate on wildlife conservation initiatives, applying machine learning and predictive modeling to help analyze complex ecological data and support conservation efforts. 

Selected Publications

Hofacker, R., Sebunia, N., Pihlblad, J., & Benderlioglu, Z. (2026). Recognition of unfamiliar predators in domestic horses through only visual predator cues. PLOS ONE, 21(7), e0349298. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0349298

Sebunia, Natalie* & Benderlioglu, Z. (2026). Admittance as Evidence: Assessing Anthropogenic Risk for Raptor Morbidity and Mortality in the US Midwest and Appalachia (in review, R&R).

Benderlioglu, Z., & Guatelli-Steinberg, D. (2019). Is There a Link Between Matriline Dominance Rank and Linear Enamel Hypoplasia? An Assessment of Defect Prevalence and Count in Cayo Santiago Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta). International Journal of Primatology, 40, 263–275.

Benderlioglu, Z. & Dow, E*. 2017. Low temperatures during ontogeny increase fluctuating asymmetry and reduce maternal aggression in the house mouse, Mus musculus. Ethology, Volume: 123, 1-11.

Benderlioglu, Z. Fluctuating Asymmetry and Steroid Hormones: A Review. Symmetry 2010, 2, 541-553.

Benderlioglu, Z., Dow, E*., & Pyter*, L. M. Neonatal exposure to short days and low temperatures blunts stress response and yields low fluctuating asymmetry in siberian hamsters. Physiology & Behavior, 2007,  90(2-3), 459-465.

Benderlioglu, Z., Eish*, J., Weil, Z*., & Nelson, R. Low temperatures during early development influence subsequent maternal and reproductive function in adult female mice. Physiology & Behavior, 2006, 87(2), 416-423. 

Benderlioglu, Z., & Nelson, R. Digit length ratios predict reactive aggression in women, but not in men. Hormones and Behavior, 2004, 46(5), 558-564. 

Benderlioglu, Z., & Nelson, R. Season of birth and fluctuating asymmetry. American Journal of Human Biology, 2004, 16(3), 298-310. 

Benderlioglu, Z., Sciulli, P., & Nelson, R. Fluctuating asymmetry predicts human reactive aggression. American Journal of Human Biology, 2004, 16(4), 458-469.

*Student Authors

Research News Coverage:

Predator Responses in Domestic Horses: NEW!
Read more on the OSU News Website.

Developmental instability (fluctuating asymmetry) and aggression: media coverage in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Selected media coverage: multimedia and printed articles: Reuters, CNN, BBC, Wall Street Journal, Nature News, Discovery Channel, Forbes Magazine; Washington Post, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Columbus Dispatch, and London Daily Telegraph; Discovery Magazine; Science Update (from the American Association for the Advancement of Science) and Voice of America.

Lab Coverage: ASCENT, Lantern, ASC News

Teaching and Mentoring

A substantial portion of my recent research originates from the interests and questions brought forward by undergraduate researchers in the Undergraduate Research Lab™ (UResearch), which I founded and direct. Students arrive with their own research interests, and I work closely with them through the full research process from designing studies and collecting data to analyzing results and communicating their findings. Their intellectual engagement and analytical work are integral to the lab’s current research trajectory. You can learn more about their research interests, contributions, and my courses by visiting my teaching page.

Contact

Email: benderlioglu.1@osu.edu
Office: Biological Sciences Green House, Rm: 717 | 332 W. 12th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210