Rate My Professor Matthew Kittelberger

Matthew Kittelberger is Professor of Biology at Gettysburg College, with an academic focus in neurobiology. He received his A.B. in biochemistry from Harvard University in 1990 and his Ph.D. in neurobiology from Duke University in 2002. Following his undergraduate studies, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malawi in 1992, where he taught science, mathematics, English, and agriculture at an all-boys boarding high school. Kittelberger joined the faculty at Gettysburg College in 2006, advancing to full professor, recognized in the 2024-2025 academic year.

His research investigates the neural mechanisms of vocal communication and social behavior, emphasizing the physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, and comparative evolution of brain circuits in teleost fish, particularly the midshipman toadfish (Porichthys notatus). Notable studies explore vocal-motor and auditory connectivity in the midbrain periaqueductal gray, dopamine's role in inhibiting vocal production, and sexually dimorphic neurotransmitter expression. Key publications include Goebrecht et al., "Sexually-dimorphic expression of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the brain of a vocal teleost fish (Porichthys notatus)" (Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, 56:13-34, 2014); Kittelberger and Bass, "Vocal-motor and auditory connectivity of the midbrain periaqueductal gray in a teleost fish" (Journal of Comparative Neurology, 521:791-812, 2013); Kittelberger, "Dopamine injections to the midbrain periaqueductal gray inhibit vocal-motor production in a teleost fish" (Physiology & Behavior, 2023); and Kittelberger, "Ca²⁺ entry units in a superfast fish muscle" (Frontiers in Physiology, 2022). Many publications feature co-authorship with Gettysburg College undergraduates. Kittelberger received a Fulbright Scholar award, returning to Malawi to teach biochemistry and animal physiology at Chancellor College, University of Malawi, while developing curricula and active learning approaches. He teaches courses including BIO 112 (Form and Function of Living Systems), BIO 212 (Cell Biology), BIO 335 (Neurobiology), and supervises independent research projects. Additionally, he coordinates faculty advising for health professions students.