Project Mentor
Dr. Douglas Oliver
Neuroscience
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | We are developing an electrophysiological test to demonstrate the presence or absence of tinnitus in animals and human subjects. During summer and fall 2019, a number of different projects are possible. 1) Use an active avoidance task and the inhibition of acoustic startle to test whether mice have tinnitus that is induced by exposure to a loud sound. Animals will be trained and tested before and after exposure to loud sound. 2) Use multichannel electrophysiological recordings from neurons in the midbrain auditory system of mice to study the changes in sound-evoked activity. 3) Develop the electrophysiological test for tinnitus using scalp recordings of sound-evoked responses in mice and eventually in human subjects. |
| Project Direction | The projects are part of a large effort to establish an objective test for tinnitus based on long-lasting sound-evoked afterdischarges in the inferior colliculus. Such a test would be useful in the diagnosis of tinnitus in animals and human patients. The Department of Defense sponsors this research as it has a large population of active military and who are exposed to loud noise and develop tinnitus. As the projects are rapidly evolving with some moving faster than others, the best choice of project for a student will depend on the student’s skill set and the status of the projects. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The student will be supervised daily by Dr. Alice Burghard, Dr. Chris Lee, and the PI. The student will be required to read and discuss journal articles on relevant topics. During the Fall and Spring semesters, students are required to submit hypothesis-driven research proposals on topics relevant to their project. |
| Student Qualifications | Students with a background in neuroscience are preferred, and they should be in their 3rd-year in the Fall of 2019. Courses in Anatomy & Physiology, Physiological Psychology, Sensation & Perception, and Biology of the Brain will provide the most appropriate background. Minimum GPA: 3.5. Previous experience with electrophysiology or behavior is a plus. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: 9-10 full-time weeks to be scheduled between May 13 and August 23, 2019. Students are encouraged to participate in the Neuroscience in Salamanca, Spain study abroad program (May 20-June 20). A research schedule can be arranged that follows the study abroad period (June 24–August 23), or that precedes and follows the study abroad period (May 13-17 + June 24–August 23). Schedule: To be determined in consultation with the selected student |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2019, Spring 2020 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 9 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | Yes |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP19-16/. The application deadline is Monday, February 4, 2019.
This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, and letters of recommendation.