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Research InterestsThis developmental psychobiology laboratory uses animal models to examine drugs and brain development. Two complementary areas of particular interest include: (1) assessing the impact of drugs on brain development and subsequent offspring neurobehavioral function; and (2) examining the role of brain development in influencing drug responsiveness, with a particular emphasis on neurobehavioral function in adolescence contributing to the use and abuse of drugs such as alcohol during adolescence. Within each of these areas of current interest, psychopharmacological, behavioral, and neurochemical testing procedures are utilized. Contact InformationContact Linda P. Spear, S4, 161, late in the semester preceding the semester in which the student desires to work in the laboratory. Students may find it most convenient to call Pat Heebner, ext. 7-4172, for an appointment first. Types of Research Experiences AvailableStudents apply to work in one of two laboratory groups based on their interests and skills. The psychopharmacology laboratory group emphasizes psychopharmacological, behavioral testing, and surgical procedures with rodents ranging in age from newborn to adulthood. The neurochemistry laboratory group utilizes neurochemical procedures which primarily emphasize brain dissection, high performance liquid chromatographic assay of various neurotransmitters and their metabolites, gas chromatographic analyses of blood and brain alcohol levels, and radioimmunoassays of hormone levels. PrerequisitesCongenial, motivated, and reliable students are encouraged to apply to the laboratory. The specific prerequisites vary depending upon the laboratory group. Students working in the psychopharmacology group typically have had either Drugs and Behavior (PSYC 330) or Physiological Psychology (PSYC 362). Students in the neurochemistry group need to have a strong chemistry background (preferably including biochemistry).
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