Project Mentor

Dr. Sebnem Tuncdemir
Department of Neuroscience

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Discrimination of different contexts composed of distinct constellations of multisensory cues is a hallmark of both episodic memory and spatial navigation, two functions ascribed to the mammalian hippocampus. On the other hand, impairments in contextual discrimination of non-traumatic memories is a hallmark of many stress and trauma disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); yet, the neural mechanisms by which traumatic contexts are generalized remain unclear. This project will examine whether manipulating the activity of inputs to the hippocampal dentate gyrus can rescue context discrimination deficits in a PTSD model in mice. The student will perform intraperitoneal injections, behavioral induction and testing of contextual fear learning followed by histological examinations and data analysis.
Project Direction	This project will help identifying the mechanisms by which multisensory information arriving from the external world into the dentate gyrus contributes to memory discrimination by using state of the art cellular imaging techniques in genetically modified mice also employed in our lab. Identifying both the micro- and large-scale components that result in contextual discrimination within the hippocampus will set the foundation for generating new tools for the identification and treatment of the cognitive discrimination impairments associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mentorship and Supervision	1) The student will receive hands on training on animal protocols and specific operating procedures directly from the PI or an experienced lab member while performing the experiments for the first 4 weeks and is expected to work independently with appropriate guidance for the remaining time. 2) The student is expected to join lab meetings and journal clubs to enhance their understanding on the larger research question and learn new advances in the field of systems neuroscience. 3) The student will meet with the PI minimum of 4 times to go over their progress in learning and receive one-on-one training in general scientific methods such as record keeping, hypothesis testing, data collection and curation. These meetings will also include general career development discussions in accordance with the student’s career and educational goals. 4) Student is expected to keep a detailed online ‘dairy’ of their time in the lab shared with the PI as well as a personal lab notebook for experimental details, in addition to updating lab database for mice, server for data collection, all of which will be monitored by the PI weekly and discussed during one-on-one meetings. 5) Feedback will be provided in person or through lab’s internal messaging app via natural discussions after observation of student’s performance.
Student Qualifications	Comfort working with laboratory animals (mice) in a research setting, some background knowledge of animal behavioral protocols used in psych research, and maintain knowledge on animal and safety protocols/procedures are the preferred qualifications for this position. Strong communication and organizational skills and the ability to learn new techniques are important characteristics for the position.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 19 to July 25, 2025 Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am through 5pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2025, Spring 2026
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/HRPSU25-32. The application deadline is Monday, February 17, 2025.

This application requires a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, GPA, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests.