Brain, Behavior & Cognition

Developed and conducted independent research projects relating to use of electroconvulsive shock to reduce effects of traumatic stress in relation to PTSD and depression as well as working to develop an advanced animal model of traumatic stress for more applicable translation discovery relating to clinical PTSD. Sought to better design pre-clinical stress research to bring about more and faster application to clinical treatment of PTSD/TBI. Responsibilities• Developed experimental design to test hypotheses as well as to meet federal experimental guidelines. • Conducted wide array of behavioral experiments along with tissue collection and slicing in coordination with electrophysiological and molecular experiments. • Performed statistical analysis and interpretation of data. • Wrote results up in technical paper for submission to peer-reviewed journal, which was successfully accepted for publication. • Presented findings at annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (30,000+ attendees) as well as at USU Research Week (science and medical professionals from several military biomedical institutions).• Assisted in other projects in the lab and at associated lab at ICD in Aberdeen, MD relating to epilepsy and seizure resulting from chemical weapons exposure• Served as acting lab manager for multiple projects from various sources (NIH, USU, DTRA) totaling more than $1,500,000. Accomplishments• Successful peer-reviewed publication and national presentation of research findings. • Mentored undergraduate student in coordination with USU Center for Health Disparities Summer Intern Program. • Developed collaboration with multiple labs to advance experiment technique and equipment to improve stress model and expand use across species for increased translational validity for clinical application of findings.• Assisted with organization and successful operation of annual conference on Amygdala and Traumatic Stress held at USU.

Amygdala, Anxiety & alpha1 Adrenoceptors: Investigations Utilizing a Rodent Model Of Traumatic Stress (Doctoral Thesis)

Overview: In addition to full or overload course load in major of Biochemistry, I was able to work as a research assistant in two labs simultaneously in both the biology and psychology departments in contribution to my planned future focus on neuroscience research. Responsibilities• Involved with animal behavioral study on alcohol in Psychology department.• Assisted with animal surgeries, conducted behavioral experiments, and participated in data analysis.• Investigated electrophysiological effects of nicotine on substantia nigra in Biology department.• Performed tissue removal and brain slicing as well as patch clamp recording of slices and data analysis• Worked to refine and improve slicing technique for improved slice survival and recording.• Assisted in laboratory management and grant writing Accomplishments• Awarded Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Undergraduate Fellowship with more than $10,000 for stipend and lab research. • Presented research at HHMI meeting.• As undergraduate, was asked to participate on graduate student committee for evaluating faculty candidates.• Graduated Magna Cum Laude while maintaining significant, voluntary research in laboratories in two departments.

Responsibilities• Successfully managed high volume, previous failing retail pharmacy store with 15 employees and annual revenue of more than $1,000,000 and helped bring it back to profitability.• Instituted a variety of new policies to help increase efficiency and productivity, while maintaining or increasing employee morale • Accounted for numerous vendor accounts and balancing books in accordance with national company standard. • Resolved employee problems quickly to satisfaction of all parties.• Developed familiarization with a wide range of pharmaceuticals.• Filled prescription information from physicians, informed patients and answered questions on instruction, side effects, drug interactions, etc.