Research

Most of the research in my lab incorporates behavioral and molecular approaches to understanding the physiology of learning and memory formation.  Current lines of research  include:

Synaptic Plasticity:  When learning occurs, the structure and function of the brain changes so that new information can be retained.  One of the structural changes that takes place is the formation of new synaptic connections.  We are currently investigating a key regulator of neuronal structure and how it changes during memory formation.  Furthermore we are investigating how various neurotransmitter signals affect synaptic plasticity molecules.

Neuropeptides & Memory: Another current research area of interest is investigating the brain angiotensin system of neuropeptides and receptors, specifically with regard to the involvement of the hippocampal AT4 receptor in spatial working memory formation in the radial arm maze. 

 

The lab is equipped with:

Multiple rodent learning and memory paradigms including the radial arm maze, passive avoidance conditioning, and operant conditioning.

A stereotaxic surgery station which makes it possible to accurately target microinjections of various ligands into discrete brain regions. 

Instrumentation for the investigation of brain protein expression via Western blotting.

Scanning electron micrograph of a neuron.  The dendritic spines are the tiny “buds” sprouting off of the major branches. PHOTO:www-psych.stanford.edu/.../Lecture01/index.html

 

Concordia College, Department of Psychology

Dr. Mikel L. Olson, Ph.D.