The goal of my summer project, titled “Exploration of fear conditioning paradigms in mice with isolated and repetitive mild traumatic brain injury” was to utilize differing learning tests to observe changes in memory following either one (isolated) or two (repetitive) mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) in mice. Though results of my project so far have been inconclusive, they do have implications for the accuracy of the learning tests used, bringing to light certain factors that may have to be altered in the future in order to produce the most reliable outcomes. As I continue my research into the semester, I hope to perfect these methods so that such tests produce consistent results. Participating in research has greatly impacted my educational experience, allowing me to both gain independence as I conducted my own project, and learn to not be afraid to ask questions when there is something I am unsure about. In addition, my project has taught me the value of patience when it comes to the field of research. Especially in the field of behavioral research, a category under which my project falls, often times simple, repetitive tasks must be spread across multiple days before testing in order to acquire the best results. Though some tasks may seem more menial than others, each step is part of the bigger picture in regards to making progress toward the research goal at hand. As I continue research during my undergraduate career, and hopefully postgraduate career, I hope to continue to build upon the skills I have gained through this project.
The goal of my summer project, titled “Exploration of fear conditioning paradigms in mice with isolated and repetitive mild traumatic brain injury” was to utilize differing learning tests to observe changes in memory following either one (isolated) or two (repetitive) mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) in mice. Though results of my project so far have been inconclusive, they do have implications for the accuracy of the learning tests used, bringing to light certain factors that may have to be altered in the future in order to produce the most reliable outcomes. As I continue my research into the semester, I hope to perfect these methods so that such tests produce consistent results. Participating in research has greatly impacted my educational experience, allowing me to both gain independence as I conducted my own project, and learn to not be afraid to ask questions when there is something I am unsure about. In addition, my project has taught me the value of patience when it comes to the field of research. Especially in the field of behavioral research, a category under which my project falls, often times simple, repetitive tasks must be spread across multiple days before testing in order to acquire the best results. Though some tasks may seem more menial than others, each step is part of the bigger picture in regards to making progress toward the research goal at hand. As I continue research during my undergraduate career, and hopefully postgraduate career, I hope to continue to build upon the skills I have gained through this project.