Project Mentor
Dr. Alice Burghard
Department of Neuroscience
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Hearing loss and auditory temporal processing deficits have been identified as a possible predictor of dementia. The project will assess a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at different stages of disease progression. The work includes in vivo recordings of auditory evoked potentials in anaesthetized mice and histology of the brain of these mice. |
| Project Direction | The project is aimed at further illuminate the relationship of central auditory processing deficits and the development of dementia (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease). Using different methods such as electrophysiology, histology or -omics to identify the changes in the central auditory system following or preceding AD developments, will help to understand the connection between both pathologies (AD and central auditory processing deficits). Since it is a project with several time points in disease progression it is continuous works that will extend beyond the 10 weeks in summer. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | I will personally train the student with all the methods used for this project. Weekly lab meetings will be used to discuss progress in the project and provide feedback. This will also give the student a more formal format to discuss any questions that have not been discussed in the time since the last meeting. |
| Student Qualifications | A background in biology, ideally with a focus on neuroscience. A plus if BNB course 3251 (Biology of the Brain) has been attended. The student needs to be willing to perform animals experiments and attend the IACUC training before the start in the lab. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Full time Monday to Friday, schedule can be adjusted but a core time of 10 am to 4 pm is expected. |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2024, Spring 2025 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 6-9 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | Yes |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP24-4. The application deadline is Monday, January 29, 2024.
This application requires a Resume or CV, Cover Letter, Unofficial Transcript, Science GPA, and Statement of Qualifications. References should be available upon request.