Project Description
The purpose of this project is to understand how associative learning modulates neuronal intrinsic excitability and plasticity within retrosplenial cortex as a function of developmental age and sex. Male and female rats of various ages will be trained in an associative learning paradigm and behaviorally characterized rats will be studied for underlying physiological, molecular, and anatomical changes. This includes measures of intrinsic excitability, expression of various proteins, such as immediate early genes (markers of neural plasticity), and 3D neuronal reconstructions. Our hypothesis is that key changes within retrosplenial cortex are important for certain forms of learning and that observed sex differences in learning may be explained by key changes in the underlying neurobiology.
Tasks and Responsibilites
Through this research project the Student will be exposed to and will learn aspects of advanced neurobiological research. The student will be taught cutting edge research techniques, as well as how to apply these methods in order to conduct research. Weekly meetings with me provide a theoretical framework to go with actual laboratory science. Exposure to graduate level research projects will allow the student to develop an understanding for research procedures, such as grant writing, the planning and carrying out of research, and data collection and interpretation. Additional skills to be learned include reading and writing in a scientific format, working as a research team to achieve goals, and time management. Acquisition of these concepts will make the student stronger academically, and will provide the experience necessary for continued growth as is evident in the high rate of undergraduate research students in the lab that continue their education in graduate or professional school.
Desired Qualifications
None