Faculty:

Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, Ph.D.

Contact:

Kati Wrubel
Email and Phone: kwrubel@mail.utexas.edu, 471-5895 (lab)

Description:

We are conducting experiments to examine the behavioral pharmacology of methylene blue, a drug that boosts metabolism in the brain, and enhances memory retention and performance in various behavioral tasks. Several tasks will be examined in rats administered methylene blue, after which we will conduct metabolic brain imaging studies to compare brain metabolism in these subjects vs. controls.

Qualifications:

Biopsychology or learning courses preferred. Must be responsible, interested in the project, and detail oriented. Prefer a student interested in research

Duties:

Assisting with behavioral data collection and animal handling. Research assistants will also be responsible for helping with literature searches. Two semester involvement in the laboratory is preferred, but not a requirement.

Other Information:

Involvement in this project will provide learning opportunities in neuropharmacology, behavioral testing, and learning and memory. Many techniques relevant to basic behavioral and biopsychological research will be taught to students during the course of the studies.