Histological Techniques for Assisting Multiple Neuroscience Projects
Frederic Theunissen, Professor
Psychology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2024.
The apprentice(s) will prepare and analyze neural tissue to assist graduate students and staff scientists with ongoing projects. This will include slicing, mounting (on microscope slides), and imaging of brain tissue to verify where electrodes were placed during electrophysiological recordings, as well as other projects. Apprentice(s) will learn some neuroanatomy and a lot of histological techniques.
Role: The apprentice will:
- prepare brains, slice brains, mount them on slides, and stain and image them
- antibody and NISSL staining and quantification of brain regions and lesion sizes
- verification of electrode placement following electrophysiological recordings
The apprentice will spend ~6-8 hours weekly in the lab working on this project.
The apprentice will be given a reading list and will be invited to attend weekly lab meetings. At the end of the term, the apprentice will complete a final report as per the URAP contract and an 8-10 page term paper if obtaining URAP credit.
Qualifications: Introductory courses completed in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or Biology (MCB or IB), and preferably enrolled in upper-division classes in any of these areas. Preference for students with a strong interest in neuroscience/neurobiology and enrolled in either the Psychology, Cognitive Science, MCB or IB majors. Previous lab experience is preferred but not required. Programming experience preferred but not required. Attention to detail and ability to work with computers and software are a must. Daily access to e-mail, and the ability to work independently are desired.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Bill Wood, Staff Researcher
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Related website: http://theunissen.berkeley.edu/
Biological & Health Sciences