Story
Aaron Blaisdell is a neuroscientist and Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience at UCLA [1], [3], [4]. As the Director of the Comparative Cognition Lab and the Pigeon Art Studio at UCLA, he conducts research into animal cognition and behavior [3], [4]. Blaisdell's creative work also extends into the realm of digital art, poetry, and children's literature [3]. He is the creator and author of the \"Bug Harold\" children's book series [4], [6].
Aaron Blaisdell completed his foundational higher education in anthropology before specializing in behavioral neuroscience [4]. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from SUNY Stony Brook, followed by a Master of Science in Anthropology from Kent State University [4]. He subsequently earned a Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience from SUNY Binghamton and completed two years of NIH-funded postdoctoral training at Tufts University [4]. Currently, Blaisdell serves as a Professor in the UCLA Psychology Department, where he is also Chair of the Behavioral Neuroscience area [3], [4]. His laboratory research focuses on comparative cognition, investigating how animals build and use representations of their world [4]. To explore these questions, he employs Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning procedures to study associative and cognitive processes, including causal reasoning, rational decision-making, spatial cognition, behavioral variability, and problem solving [4]. At UCLA, he is affiliated with the Brain Research Institute, the Integrative Center for Learning & Memory, and the Evolutionary Medicine program [4].
Aaron Blaisdell directs the Pigeon Art Studio and serves as the primary investigator of the Pigeon Art Project [3], [4], [5]. The project began following an event on May 28, 2021, when a pigeon named Darwin accidentally opened a paint program after completing daily training and spontaneously generated digital art [5]. Blaisdell and his laboratory team subsequently built a dedicated application to give their pigeons ongoing access to digital art creation [5]. The pigeons receive no food rewards for generating artwork and demonstrate self-directed creative behavior [5]. In his lab, student researchers such as Cyrus Kirkman have focused on making the hardware and software open source to support research collaborations across laboratories and species [5]. The Pigeon Art Project has exhibited work at events such as Art Blocks weekend in 2025, where the collection \"Flight 25\" debuted [5].
Beyond neuroscience research, Aaron Blaisdell investigates evolutionary health and ancestral lifestyles [4]. He is interested in how modern environments diverge from ancestral settings to the detriment of human health and brain function [4]. Blaisdell co-founded the Ancestral Health Society, an organization that hosts the annual Ancestral Health Symposium [4]. He also founded and served as Editor-in-Chief of the society's peer-reviewed publication, the *Journal of Evolution and Health* [4]. In addition, he is a member of the Heterodox Academy and its UCLA chapter, advocating for diversity of thought within comparative psychology and academia [4].
Aaron Blaisdell is also the author of the \"Bug Harold\" children's book project [6]. He initially conceived the character and started writing the poem in an English class in South Florida in 1987, drawing inspiration from *Man of La Mancha*, Lewis Carroll's \"Jabberwocky,\" and J.R.R. Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings* [6]. The manuscript was put aside for many years until his older daughter, Maggie, expressed enthusiasm for poetry, motivating him to revisit and finish the story [6]. His younger daughter, Helen Blaisdell, became the illustrator for the project, creating all the panels and covers [6]. The series includes the published title *Bug Harold and the Snapdragon*, along with planned installments titled *Bug Harold and the Crayfish* and *Bug Harold and the King Snake* [6].
Aaron Blaisdell combines comparative psychological science, evolutionary wellness advocacy, and multi-media arts [3], [4], [6]. His work at UCLA spans experimental inquiry into pigeon cognition, ancestral biology, and interactive art [3], [4], [5]. Through his digital art and books, he brings concepts of animal behavior and creative storytelling to a broad audience [3], [5], [6].
FAQs
What is Aaron Blaisdell's academic background?
Aaron Blaisdell holds a BA in Anthropology from SUNY Stony Brook, an MS in Anthropology from Kent State University, and a Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience from SUNY Binghamton. He also completed 2 years of NIH-funded postdoctoral training at Tufts University.
What is Aaron Blaisdell's current role at UCLA?
Aaron Blaisdell holds a distinguished role as a Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience in the UCLA Psychology Department, where he also serves as the Chair of the Behavioral Neuroscience area. Furthermore, he directs the Comparative Cognition Lab and the innovative Pigeon Art Studio, actively engaging in research and creative projects.
What is the Pigeon Art Project directed by Aaron Blaisdell?
The Pigeon Art Project is an innovative initiative directed by Aaron Blaisdell where pigeons create unique digital art. The project, which officially started on May 28, 2021, explores intriguing aspects of animal cognition and creativity, with the pigeons acting as self-motivated artists. It's a fascinating blend of science and art.
What kind of art does Aaron Blaisdell create?
Aaron Blaisdell is a prolific artist who creates art across multiple domains, including captivating poetry, engaging children's books, and innovative AI digital art. His most notable artistic endeavor is the Pigeon Art Project, where pigeons themselves produce unique digital artworks, pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Where does Aaron Blaisdell work as a neuroscientist?
Aaron Blaisdell works at the UCLA Psychology Department as a Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience. He is also a member of the UCLA Brain Research Institute, the UCLA Integrative Center for Learning & Memory, and the UCLA Evolutionary Medicine program.
Is Aaron Blaisdell involved in the Ancestral Health Society?
Yes, Aaron Blaisdell is deeply involved in the Ancestral Health Society, which he proudly co-founded. This society is responsible for organizing the annual Ancestral Health Symposium. He maintains a strong interest in how human ancestry and evolution relate directly to contemporary health and overall well-being.
What institutions is Aaron Blaisdell affiliated with at UCLA?
Aaron Blaisdell is significantly affiliated with several prominent institutions at UCLA. He is a respected member of the UCLA Brain Research Institute, the UCLA Integrative Center for Learning & Memory, and the UCLA Evolutionary Medicine program. Additionally, he holds a position as a Professor in the distinguished Psychology Department.
Where can I find information about the Pigeon Art Project?
Information about the innovative Pigeon Art Project, which is directed by Aaron Blaisdell, can be readily found on its official website, pigeonart.xyz. The site provides comprehensive details on the project's unique mission, introduces the dedicated team involved, and showcases the diverse art collections created by talented pigeons.
What are the themes of the Bug Harold books?
The 'Bug Harold' books, written by Aaron Blaisdell, are children's adventure stories. The first book, "Bug Harold and the Snapdragon," involves rescuing Lady Bug from a vicious Snapdragon, while the second sees Bug Harold saving a village from the evil King Snake.
What are the artistic influences behind Bug Harold?
The character of Bug Harold was conceived by Aaron Blaisdell in 1987, influenced by films like "Man of La Mancha" and the writings of Lewis Carroll, including his poem "Jabberwocky". J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" also played a role.
Where can I find Aaron Blaisdell's artwork?
Aaron Blaisdell's artwork, including his AI digital art and the Pigeon Art Project, can be found on his personal website, aaronblaisdell.art. He also exhibits and sells his NFT collections on platforms such as Transient Labs, OpenSea, and Deca.
What are the upcoming exhibitions for the Pigeon Art Project?
Aaron Blaisdell's Pigeon Art Project has an exciting upcoming Pop Up gallery scheduled at MAMBA: The Museum of Art Made by Animals. This special exhibition will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 4-6 pm in the vibrant Downtown LA arts district. Tickets for this unique event are available for purchase online.
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