PSY 357 Brain and behavioral mechanisms underlying predisposition towards helplessness
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Faculty:
Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, Ph.D.
Contact:
Eimeira Padilla, Jason Shumake eimeirapadilla@mail.utexas.edu
Description:
We are investigating the behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying a predisposition towards depression using a rat model of learned helplessness. Subjects are tested using several behavioral techniques that measure general activity, anxiety-like and depressive like behavior. We are also testing the effects of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors using this model. Once all behavioral experiments are completed, we examine brain tissue slices for changes in neural activity using cytochrome oxidase histochemistry and brain metabolic mapping techniques.
Qualifications:
Any courses in behavioral neuroscience or biological psychology.
Duties:
Assisting with behavioral data collection and animal handling (such as administering injections to rats). Some clerical work (such as photocopying articles from the library). Assisting with wet-lab procedures (such as mixing chemicals). Also, helping with data analysis and tissue processing.
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