A major goal in our lab is training students to become neuroscientists, specifically behavioral neuroscientists. To this end, it is essential that students ask the right questions and engage in the process of critical thinking. However, in addition to formulating the right ideas, students also need the right tools to answer their questions. The following techniques are employed in our lab to study neural systems regulating motivation:
- Behavior observation, recording, analyses, and interpretation
- Cannulae implantation
- Immunohistochemical techniques
- Microdialysis, in vivo
- Microinjections (intracranial), using various pharmacological manipulations
- Neurochemical analysis using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- Neuronal tract tracing techniques
- Neurotoxic, radiofrequency, and electrolytic lesion techniques
- Pharmacological manipulations (central and systemic)
- Spectrophotometry
- Stereotaxic surgical techniques (various)
- Systemic surgical techniques (various)
- Western immunoblotting
- Several other techniques that help us study the brain's regulation of behavior and its role in behavioral disorders