Nueroscience Research Lab
Abstract
Nueroscience lab dedicated to nuerochemical release based on bio hormone secretion for sleep. Research assistant working alongside an inspiring team and passionate published mentor. Worked on a team specializing in Neurohormone / Neuroscience Lab.
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I. Introduction
Context
As an institution, California State University offers great research assistant program that students in the field can volunteer for while getting authentic research exposure in methodologies, research gathering, and data entry.
Research Scope
When working in the field of biopsychology and neuroscience, necessary background information is important in terms of where we stand in the society of understanding neurochemical release, hormones, and the significant relationship between mammal brain structure.
This being said these research practices can take years, and as an assistant our role is merely a fraction of that research scope. However, in this process we are able to be hands on, collaborate doctors, and gain exposure to standard research practices.
II. Process
Focus Area
The primary focus of the BNL is the study of the indoleamine neurohormone, melatonin and its in-vivo behavioral effects in animal models including Parkinsonism, Depression and Anxiety.
Studying the neurochemical release in other animals helps us better estimate the inhibition of the effects has at a faster rate to combat ongoing mental disease.
Methodology
Our role as research assistants is not limited to our title. Our mentors use these opportunities to push us to even question their own practices and how we can use this research to constantly develop the field.
Aside from the quantitative practices (encoding scores, inputting variables, verifying results), we are always looking at each step with careful consideration on how this study can push the understanding of further studies and to what extent this research is adding value.
III. Role
My Role
Research Role
· Data Entry (Excel, SPSS)
· Quantitative Analysis (SPSS, T-Tests, ANOVA, regressions)
· Managing workload
· Streamlining practice to control variables
· Consultation
My Approach
It is imperative to look at every study with a very critical eye since that very aspect is what instigates discovery. Something I originally found interest in Psychology for was that innate passion of discovery and understanding of cognition and influence, so being able to apart of that process was rewarding and put me in the pursuit of always learning and being a student of the medium.
IV. Overview
Learning
Something I was able to take away from this experience was our relentless pursuit of research. We would often test and retest over and over again to make sure the study was consistent and void of any faults or human error. This was a very important practice given the studies prospective publishing down the road.
Another point that I still use today is that unsuccessful research is not bad research nor something to toss aside. Failed statistics, reports, and studies are just as useful as they still offer research on what doesn’t work to push that understanding a bit further for others to continue.
I find the same to be true in design as we find designs that do not work or are not great for usability. This helps us make well informed decisions on how to carry out future designs and research and is a critical part of UX research.
References
Sumaya, I.C. Bailey, D.W., Catlett, S.L., & Fields, C. (2007)The Effects of the 5HT3 Agonist, 2-Methyl-5HT and the 5HT3 Receptor Antagonist,Ondansetron, in an Animal Model of Depression and Anxiety in Rats Kept on aHigh Fat Diet. Presented to the 37thAnnual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience. November 3-7, 2007, San Diego,CA., Neurosci. Abstr.33, Abstract #629.10, 2007.
Porsolt, R., Anton, G., Blavet, N., Jalfre, M. (1977). Behaviouraldespair in rats: A new model sensitive to antidepressant treatments. EuropeanJournal of Pharmacology, 47, 379-391.
Stranahan, A. M., Khalil, D., & Gould, E. (2007). Runninginduces widespread structural alterations in the hippocampus and entorhinalcortex. Hippocampus, 17, 1017-1022.
Winocour, G., & Greenwood, C. E.(1999). The effects of high fatdiets and environmental influences on cognitive performance in rats. BehavioralBrain Research, 101, 153-161.