Project Mentor

Dr. Douglas Oliver
Department of Neuroscience

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The student project will be to assist in the testing of an electrophysiological test for tinnitus in human subjects. The student will assist in the enrollment and scheduling of new subjects and in the actual testing. This is an electrophysiological test where brain activity is recorded from scalp electrodes while the subjects are listening to sound. It is similar to that used for testing newborn babies in hospital if they are suspected of having a hearing loss. It time permits, the student may participate in the behavioral training of mice and their electrophysiological testing.
Project Direction	We are developing an electrophysiological test for tinnitus in a project funded by the Defense Department. The causes of tinnitus, ringing in the ears in the absence of sound, are unknown, and there is no objective clinical test available for animals or humans. We are testing for the presence of chronic tinnitus that develops as a result of exposure to loud noises, both continuous and blast noise. The test has been developed on animals and will soon be applied to human subjects. Much of the work in the lab is devoted to the behavioral testing of mice to determine whether or not they have tinnitus before we test them with brain recordings.
Mentorship and Supervision	The student will report directly to the PI and be trained and mentored by our two PhD postdoctoral fellows, our PhD student, and our research assistant. When in the clinic, the student will be supervised by the audiologist who is working on our project in addition to the PI.
Student Qualifications	Premed students with a strong science background are required. Good people skills and a willingness to work with animals are necessary. Previous exposure to neuroscience in PNB Anatomy and Physiology or psychology courses is useful, but not required. However, students will be expected to learn a great deal of neuroscience as a part of this project.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 24 to July 30, 2021 Schedule: M-F, 8am-4:30pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2021, Spring 2022
Academic Year Time Commitment	3-9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP21-23. The application deadline is Monday, February 1, 2021.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, a brief statement of research interests, a brief statement of career interests, and contact information for references.