Personnel trained in our laboratory are exposed to a variety of behavioral protocols, including Pavlovian and operant procedures, as well as techniques in small animal surgery, and brain microinjections. We have recently added western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques. All procedures are approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and they conform to NIH Guides (2011). Our laboratory has strong collaborative ties with a number of faculty in the Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, which allows for a wide range of allied experience, including training in human behavioral pharmacology, neurochemistry and pharmacology.
UNDERGRADUATE TRAINING (PSY 393, PSY 395, BIO 395, PSY 495)
is independent work for undergraduates in Psychology, Biology, or Neuroscience. In our laboratory, students assist graduate students and post-doctoral scholars in ongoing research projects under close supervision. This course may be taken for 1 to 3 credits at a time, with a maximum of 12 credits possible as an undergraduate. Grades are based on overall laboratory performance and reliability, in addition to a short oral presentation given at the end of the semester. Students enrolled are most often interested in pursuing careers in psychology, medicine, or pharmacy.
GRADUATE TRAINING
is designed to train students to become independent researchers and teachers.
Publications are emphasized, as well as grant-writing for students
interested in research-oriented careers. All graduate students working in
Bardo's Laboratory must enroll and be accepted by the Cognitive Neuroscience Ph.D. program in the Department of Psychology. In
this program students gain broad knowledge in the general theoretical principles and
technical approaches used to investigate the neurobehavioral and
psychopharmacological mechanisms of alcohol and drug abuse. Students enrolled in
this Ph.D. program may work
with faculty using either small animal models or human subjects
to conduct a variety or studies utilizing many levels of analysis including cell
culture models, neurochemical assays, developmental toxicology, classical
conditioning of drug effects, operant conditioning, human behavioral
pharmacology, and cognitive approaches to behavior. Students are expected to
concentrate in at least one level of analysis, although, multi-level of analysis
is strongly encouraged
POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING
is a training experience that primarily emphasizes research. First-author publications, conference presentations of research results, and grant-writing experience are major target goals. A training grant in the Department of Behavioral Science is available for interested postdoctoral applicants.
TECHNICAL TRAINING
is a full or part-time staff position that typically requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, biology, or a related discipline. Laboratory technicians in Bardo's laboratory have gone on to advanced careers in psychology, medicine, and pharmaceutical business.