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Research InterestsThe use of animal models has enhanced the understanding of the biological processes involved in cognition and memory. There exists a wide range of methodologies to access etiologic and symptomatic factors of memory disturbances. My research is a combination of both micro- and macro-level analyses, focusing on animal models of memory disorders. Behavior of the whole organism is assessed before and after brain damage, and the extent of brain pathology is correlated with behavioral impairments. I am particularly interested in the interactions between specific types of learning and memory problems and specific neurochemical and neuroanatomical abnormalities. Using drugs, diet, neurotoxins, and aged rodents, I attempt to model human amnesia (i.e., Wernicke-Korsakoff's Syndrome [WKS], Alcoholic Dementia, Alzheimer's disease). Recently, my work has focused on rat models (pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficiency [PTD], chronic ethanol exposure [CET]) of alcohol-related neurological disorders. Undergraduate students are involved at all levels of analysis. Students behaviorally test subjects, perform routine surgical procedures, deliver treatment regimes, and do brain slicing and staining, evaluation of neuropathology, and data analysis and manuscript preparation. Contact InformationContact Lisa M. Savage, Science 4, Room 253. Types of Research Experiences AvailableA variety of projects are available for students to participate in. Each experiment involves multiple stages: pharmacological treatment, behavioral analysis, data collection, and neuroanatomical evaluation. PrerequisitesStudents should have an interest in understanding behavioral-brain relationships. Basic courses in Learning & Memory, Physiological Psychology, and Psychobiology would be helpful. Very basic computer skills are needed to conduct behavioral assessment and data entry. After a brief trial period, students should be willing to commit approximately 10 hours a week for one or more semesters.
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