If you have ever wondered why interacting with friends and family tends to increase your attention or why people with autism spectrum disorder seem to lose focus when someone is talking to them, you may be interested in this research group. We have a research position available for this semester with the potential to remain longer. My name is Carrie Mahoney, I am an instructor in the Department of Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). We are affiliated with Harvard Medical School. The lab is located in the Center for Life Sciences building (CLS) at 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston. Our lab conducts research on the neurobiology of autism and social dysfunction. My project is investigating the role of neurons of the ventral tegmental area, and their numerous effector regions, in promoting social interaction and social memory. We utilize chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches to isolate neuronal cell populations and regions of interest involved with social behavior. Students will have the opportunity to test and analyze social interaction as well as sleep characteristics and memory following social interaction. The job will require handling mice, recording social interaction and analysis of video files using Noldus. Students will also learn and help with histology, including sectioning and immunostaining mouse brains. The project will require an individual that is detail oriented and possesses excellent time management skills. Time commitment is at least 20 hours/week. Pay level depends on experience.
