Conducted immunohistochemistry assays to determine when sex differences in expression of oxytocin and vasopressin protein in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus emerge in prairie voles. We found preliminary evidence to suggest that the sexual dimorphism observed in adult voles is not present by postnatal day 21.Additional experiences:• Optimized immunohistochemistry assay protocol• Attempted to develop a plasmid construct for use in future experiments in the lab involving transgenic prairie voles

Investigated development of hippocampal dorsal-ventral gradient in postnatal days 14, 17, and 21 rats, presented findings at a poster session, and participated in career development seminars.Gained experience in:- blocking and slicing brain tissue in preparation for molecular analysis and imaging- performing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique- imaging tissue using Keyence microscope- counting cells using ImageJ software- scoring behavior recorded on video- analyzing data and creating visual representations using SPSS and MatLab- handling rodents- recording detailed and reliable notes in a lab notebook

Conducted research investigating the dynamics of predator-prey relationships using the Holling Type IV functional response model. Created and presented poster of findings at Vassar's 2015 URSI Symposium, and Mathematical Association of America 2016 Sectional Meeting

Designed and conducted experiment to investigate the agonistic behavior of male Betta Splendens.Conducted statistical analyses and graphically represented collected data using Microsoft Excel. Created poster about experiment and presented findings at a closing ceremony.