Undergraduate students and prospective graduate students interested in behavioral neuroscience research are encouraged to contact faculty associated with the Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory (Dr. Ilsun White and Dr. Wesley White).  A variety of very good research opportunities are available.

Wesley White oversees research involving amphetamine-induced acute withdrawal and recovery.  NIH support provides funds for equipment, materials, and supplies, as well as for student salaries and student travel to scientific meetings.

Students working on the project will participate in all aspects of research including:

• Reading background literature

• Day to day conduct of experiments

• Data analysis

• Poster and Powerpoint preparation

• Presentation at regional and national meetings.

Students would have the opportunity to learn about:

• The circadian organization of behavior

• The multiple time-dependent effects of psychomotor stimulants on this organization

• The animal model approach to conditions of clinical interest (drug-induced withdrawal/ depression and anorexia)

• Drug administration procedures

• Dopamine, dopamine receptor subtypes, dopamine agonists and antagonists, and the organization and functions of the dopaminerigic system

• Techniques for evaluating changes in gene expression

• Theories of psychomotor stimulant action, including the opponent process theory.

Collaborations with researchers in other departments and at other institutions are also available.

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