Assisted graduate students in designing and running behavioral experiments using optogenetics in mice. One experiment I worked on was determining how acute modulation of the cerebellum affected hippocampal-dependent memory utilizing the Object Location Memory and Object Recognition Memory tasks. My responsibilities included assisting in making optical fibers, maintaining animal health and care after surgical implant of an optical fiber, animal upkeep during testing phases, running the animals through the behavioral tasks while recording videos, scoring videos of mice investigating objects, and cell counting brain slices. Drawing upon knowledge of this experiment, I assisted in designing and running a similar experiment for odor recognition memory. My responsibilities for the new experiment were the same as the previous experiment and included training new lab members on the protocol.

• Assisted in planning and teaching class lessons for high school students

• Guided and explained laboratory techniques

• Facilitated class discussions and gave feedback on final project posters

• Screened potential participants for a variety of psychiatric and medical disorders

• Ran participants through a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to examine whether alcohol

decreases the risk of panic attacks by decreasing cardioception

• Attended weekly meetings with the research team to discuss the eligibility of potential participants,

revisions to the protocol, and relevant journal articles

• Operated as a resource to meet the mental, emotional, and academic needs of community members

• Worked with peer leaders, staff, and faculty to create a comfortable living environment for students

• Aided students in learning about various campus resources, activities, opportunities