Neural Correlates of the Thermal Grill Illusion
Julian Motzkin, Professor
UC San Francisco
Open. Apprentices needed for the fall semester. Enter your application online beginning August 21st. The deadline to apply is Monday, August 31st, 4pm.
The thermal grill illusion (TGI) is an illusion of burning pain created by interlaced innocuous warm and cool temperatures. Our lab is beginning to study this illusion as a measure of pain sensitivity in pain free adults, patients which chronic pain, and patients with mental health conditions like depression and substance use disorders. This project will involves data collection and optimization of the task for fMRI scanning.
Role: Task (Outcome):
- Collect data using the task (student will learn principles of pychological research and task design both in and out of fMRI machine)
- Summarize results (student will learn statistical methods for data analysis
- Optimize and pilot the task for use in the fMRI machine (this requires substantial time on-site and technical interest as the student learns
Qualifications: Experience with behavioral task development and fMRI task development is strongly preferred. This is a possible high yield imaging project for a senior student interested in fMRI PhD research.
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: 675 18th St San Francisco, CA 94107
Related website: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-julian-motzkin
Related website: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-julian-motzkin