Researchers Needed: The Injury and Recovery Lab is currently recruiting students who are interested in behavioral neuroscience to work in an animal research laboratory studying treatments for traumatic brain injury. Typically, students work extensively with our animal subjects, performing daily testing in operant chambers (computer-controlled boxes which deliver sugar pellets based on animals’ responses). Although students typically start off with behavior, our lab also utilizes several “wet lab” procedures such as ELISA or immunohistochemistry.
Skills you will gain:
Behavioral assessment in rats, data analysis skills, tissue preparation and analyses.
Writing/presenting/publication – many students in my laboratory gain conference experience or even help to co-author publications by the end of their time in lab.
Duration of research project: We have various projects ongoing throughout the year (including summer). Students should expect to commit to at least 2 semesters of lab research in order to gain competency in the necessary skills. We commonly have students participate in the lab for multiple years. Potential for continuation in the summer through various paid fellowship programs (e.g., SURE) or grants may be available.
Qualifications: Because neuroscience is an interdisciplinary area, no limitations are placed on specific majors. We are primarily looking for individuals who can operate independently, and who are interested in going on to graduate school for neuroscience.
Lab Location: Life Sciences Building
Time Commitment: 6-8 hours per week; if enrolling for credit, 3 actual hours per credit hour are expected
Interested in this position? Contact Dr. Cole Vonder Haar at cole.vonderhaar@mail.wvu.edu to schedule a meeting!
Researchers needed: The Injury and Recovery Lab is currently recruiting students with expertise in physics, engineering, or computer science to work on projects in the department of Psychology. We are designing touch-screen interfaces for behavioral testing of cognitive function in animals, wiring up systems to deliver weak electrical current (transcranial direct-current stimulation), and building other computer-based equipment for behavioral testing. We are looking for students with interests/experience in areas involving design, building, wiring, and/or programming to work on these projects. All majors will be considered even though we are located within the department of Psychology.
Skills you will gain:
Basic circuit wiring, 3D printing, Programming, Design/testing/refinement experience.
Writing/presenting/publication – many students in my laboratory gain conference experience or even help to co-author publications by the end of their time in lab.
If desired, researchers may gain direct hands-on animal experience as well.
Duration of research project: While research is an ongoing process, individual projects within the umbrella of this area could be expected to last 1-2 semesters. Potential for continuation in the summer through various paid fellowship programs (e.g., SURE) or grants may be available.
Qualifications: Students should be comfortable with the basics of computers and wiring, or willing to rapidly learn these in a self-directed fashion. As such, a basic CS class or physics 2 (electrical) may be useful, but not necessary.
Lab Location: Life Sciences Building, some design work may be completed remotely
Time Commitment: 6-8 hours per week; if enrolling for credit, 3 actual hours per credit hour are expected
Interested in this position? Contact Dr. Cole Vonder Haar at cole.vonderhaar@mail.wvu.edu to schedule a meeting!
