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Information For StudentsStudent ExperiencesChris Goiney - NeurobiologyChris' Project - I am currently working to characterize two novel Sulfakinin peptides within the Stomatogastric Nervous System (STNS) of the american lobsterMy lab examines how rhythmic activities are generated and modulated. We use the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) which controls the rhythmic chewing motions made by crustacean stomachs (crabs chew with their stomachs). We use the STNS as a model to understand these rhythmic behaviors because it is far more simple than a human nervous system. When, how, & why did you get involved in research?I took a summer class with Dr. Andrew Christie. I love the puget sound beaches and while in Dr. Christie's class, I got to explore these beaches and work with fascinating crab species. I then found out that his lab used these animals for exciting biomedical research. Given my love for the puget sound wildlife and my interest in biomedical research, Dr. Christie's lab was a great fit for me. This summer, I traveled to Maine to work on a 36 hour circadian rhythm experiment using the green crab. I worked with another undergrad to row an old rust boat across a bay to drag up crab pots every couple hours. This meant spending more than 30 minutes rowing back and forth through giant waves, wind and rain every couple hours. We then dissected the brains from the crabs for processing. What advice would you give to other student?Enter your research experience with a plan. Work with your research mentor to form such a plan and realize how much work it will take to successully carry out that plan. Don't just go through the motions to check off the "I worked in a lab" box. Also, make sure you do some reading on the field before you get fully involved. Future PlansI am working towards a career in academic medicine where I will hopefully work clinically, educate and perform research. I imagine I won't be able to do all these things at once, so I plan to do clinical work and research early on and move towards education in later years. AcknowledgementsDr. Christie has been a huge help and source of guidance for me for the last year. Thanks. Awards and Honors
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