We are interested in a variety of behaviors related to circadian rhythms, including sleep, jet lag recovery, development and the effects of stress and pregnancy. Below are some of the studies being conducted by students in the lab during the 2007-2008 academic year. This year we presented research at the Society for Neuroscience conference in San Diego, California, the Society for Research of Biological Rhythms conference in Destin, Florida, the MUPRC, held at Albion College and Tri-State Learning and Behavior conference in Kentucky. Students in the lab also presented their research at the Elkin Isaac Research Symposium at Albion College.

 

Lab Members and Projects

Nick Bismack

The Effects of Public Displays of Affection (PDA) on Subjective Stress Levels, Cognitive Performance, and Cortisol Levels (submitted manuscript)

Psychosomatic Plasticity

Dorela Shuboni

                Effects of alcohol and pheromones on reentrainment in O. degus

Effects of incremental light advances on reentrainment following a 12-hour phase advance in O. degus

                Expression of the immediate early gene, c-fos, with exposure to light and odors in O. degus

Spectral analysis of O. degus’ secretions: What is the effective social cue for accelerated reentrainment?

Amanda Tilot

                Unihemispheric sleep in the Bearded Dragon

                Expression of the immediate early gene, c-fos, with exposure to light and odors in O. degus

                Effects of continuous phase shifts on pregnancy and offspring in O. degus

Kate Boswell and Rob Bodary

Effects of early social isolation on development of O. degus: An animal model for depression and eating disorders?

Megan Roberts, Alex McKelvy and Kaycee Rashid

Unihemispheric sleep in the Bearded Dragon throughout the 24-hour period and under threat conditions

Time-dependent spatial learning in O. degus with the radial arm maze

Ian Mondrow

Effects of sleep deprivation on attractiveness: Are qualities of pheromones altered as a result of sleep loss?