Quantitative behavioral methods to study selective attention in mice and its effects on neural activity in somatosensory cortex
Dan Feldman, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2023 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2024.
This project uses a novel approach to investigate the effects of selective attention on behavioral performance accuracy and neural activity in specific cell classes during goal-directed behavior in mice.
Role: Depending on the phase of the project, the focus of the work will switch between (1) data collection and (2) data analysis. Over the course of the semester, students will gain experience in both of these facets. In the data collection phase, students will learn mouse handling techniques and methods for quantitative behavior in mice. They will train mice and obtain behavioral data using these methods. In the data analysis phase, student will have the opportunity to develop their coding skills through analysis of behavioral data. Once students gain proficiency in behavioral training and behavioral data analysis, they will also have opportunities to work on analysis of neural data obtained from 2-photon calcium imaging in trained mice.
Additionally, students will learn to read primary research papers and review articles, and to synthesize information from these sources to develop and improve methods for behavioral training/analysis in the lab. Students will periodically present their progress on the project and will create documentation of methods for future users.
Contributions to the advancement of the project will lead to inclusion as an author on resulting conference abstracts and publications.
Qualifications: An interest in studying animal behavior through hands-on work with behaving mice. No prior animal handling experience is required, but students should be willing to learn proper handling techniques. Since this project involves training mice, we have specific scheduling needs. A minimum commitment of 12 hours/week is expected, and hours will need to be spread out across at least 4 days/week (i.e. minimum of 3 consecutive hours of work per day). Days of the week when the student can work are flexible and can include the weekend, depending on the preference of the student. Working directly with mice involves extensive initial training which will take up a considerable portion of the current semester, therefore this project will be most suitable for students interested in continuing this work in future semesters. Students should be proactive at problem-solving, and maintain clear communication with the supervisor and team about the project.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Deepa Ramamurthy, Post-Doc
Hours: 12 or more hours
Off-Campus Research Site: In-Person only
Biological & Health Sciences