| Area of Interest: |
Physiological
Psychology. |
| Courses Taught: |
Psychobiology (Psy 141), Learning (Psy
333), Neuropsychology (Psy 341), Research in Physiological Psychology (Psy
441), and Cognitive Neuroscience (Psy 444). |
| Description of
Research: |
Preferences
and addiction.
Common in food preferences and
addictions is activity in the brain's reward circuits. These circuits
use endorphins at an intermediate level and amines (especially dopamine)
at some ultimate level. At the present time I am looking at the effects
of drugs that enhance or block activity of these chemicals on
preferences for saccharin flavored water and on conditioned place
preferences in rats. The work is expected to lead to examination of the
roles of these chemicals in cravings.
|
| Student
Participations: |
Willing to supervise
2-4 students with independent research. |
| Requirements: |
- Students have completed Psy 110,
200, and 241.
- GPA of at least 3.0.
- Must be reliable and meticulous
- Have an interest, appreciation
for, and experience with animals (pets are sufficient)
- Computer skills are useful and
preferred.
|
| Participation
Descriptions: |
- Prepare solutions and bottles,
- Weigh rats
- Administer drinking periods
- Possibly prepare/inject drugs
- Statistical analysis
- Analgesic measurement, possibly.
|
| Semester Needed: |
N/A |
| Contact Information: |
Faculty Office Hours and Other Information |