UMBC CSEE Seminar

A Neural Circuit Deconvolution Approach to Study Motivated Behavior

Dr. Joseph Cheer
Associate Professor, Deptartment of Anatomy and Neurobiology
and Department of Psychiatry
School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore

11:001am-12:00pm, Wednesday, 3 February 2016, ITE 325b

In order to examine relationships between subsecond dopamine signaling and nucleus accumbens (NAc) cell firing during reward-directed behaviors, the ideal experimental approach is to record postsynaptic neuronal firing from the same electrode used to measure dopamine release. We have demonstrated that these measurements are feasible using cylindrical carbon fiber electrodes that can voltammetrically detect the oxidation potential of dopamine and also measure single-units extracellularly or local field potentials (LFPs). Moreover, we have added iontophoresis barrels to the carbon-fiber microelectrode to allow localized, rapid drug delivery to examine the signal transduction utilized by postsynaptic neurons when dopamine release is detected. The drugs to be ejected out of the iontophoresis barrels are selected on the basis of effects of prior microinjections (such as dopamine receptor antagonists). Once a significant behavioral effect is observed following the microinjection, iontophoresis pipettes with the same compounds are loaded for ejection in other animals. Under these conditions ongoing behavior is unaltered allowing for a detailed neurobiological dissection of the particular microanatomical domain during specific times of the behavioral sequence. Finally we can now provide causality between the two simultaneously recorded measures, by applying the above mentioned to animals amenable to optogenetic interrogation of dopaminergic pathways. We will show that dopamine sculpts cue-related patterned neuronal activity as well as the power of the NAc LFP during reward seeking.

Dr. Joseph Cheer graduated from Universidad de los Andes (Bogota, Colombia) with a B.S in Biology and Mathematics in 1996. He joined the Laboratory of Neurobiology and Experimental Microsurgery at the Colombian Neurology Foundation where he worked for 1 year investigating CNS regeneration using oncogene-tranfected cells and sciatic nerve co-grafts in motor cortex-lesioned animals. Joe received his Ph.D from The University of Nottingham (Neuroscience Section of the School of Biomedical Sciences) under the direction of Profs Charles Marsden and Dave Kendall and Dr Rob Mason. Dr. Cheer’s graduate research focused on the behavioral and electrophysiological effects of cannabinoids.

Dr. Cheer’s first postdoc (2000-2002) was spent in Sam Deadwyler’s laboratory (Wake Forest University School of Medicine) where he conducted research on multiple single-unit electrophysiology in freely moving organisms. Joe joined Mark Wightman’s lab as a post doc in fall 2002 at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill). There, he established the use of a microelectrode that allows for the simultaneous measurement of single-unit activity and dopamine release via fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.

Dr. Cheer is currently a tenured associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he directs several NIH and private foundation-funded graduate and undergraduate projects related to several neurophysiological and neurochemical aspects of endogenous cannabinoid signaling in intact systems.

Hosts: Professors Fow-Sen Choa (Sorry, you need javascript to view this email address. ) and Alan T. Sherman (Sorry, you need javascript to view this email address. )

UMBC CSEE Seminar

A Neural Circuit Deconvolution Approach to Study Motivated Behavior

Dr. Joseph Cheer
Associate Professor, Deptartment of Anatomy and Neurobiology
and Department of Psychiatry
School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore

11:001am-12:00pm, Wednesday, 3 February 2016, ITE 325b

In order to examine relationships between subsecond dopamine signaling and nucleus accumbens (NAc) cell firing during reward-directed behaviors, the ideal experimental approach is to record postsynaptic neuronal firing from the same electrode used to measure dopamine release. We have demonstrated that these measurements are feasible using cylindrical carbon fiber electrodes that can voltammetrically detect the oxidation potential of dopamine and also measure single-units extracellularly or local field potentials (LFPs). Moreover, we have added iontophoresis barrels to the carbon-fiber microelectrode to allow localized, rapid drug delivery to examine the signal transduction utilized by postsynaptic neurons when dopamine release is detected. The drugs to be ejected out of the iontophoresis barrels are selected on the basis of effects of prior microinjections (such as dopamine receptor antagonists). Once a significant behavioral effect is observed following the microinjection, iontophoresis pipettes with the same compounds are loaded for ejection in other animals. Under these conditions ongoing behavior is unaltered allowing for a detailed neurobiological dissection of the particular microanatomical domain during specific times of the behavioral sequence. Finally we can now provide causality between the two simultaneously recorded measures, by applying the above mentioned to animals amenable to optogenetic interrogation of dopaminergic pathways. We will show that dopamine sculpts cue-related patterned neuronal activity as well as the power of the NAc LFP during reward seeking.

Dr. Joseph Cheer graduated from Universidad de los Andes (Bogota, Colombia) with a B.S in Biology and Mathematics in 1996. He joined the Laboratory of Neurobiology and Experimental Microsurgery at the Colombian Neurology Foundation where he worked for 1 year investigating CNS regeneration using oncogene-tranfected cells and sciatic nerve co-grafts in motor cortex-lesioned animals. Joe received his Ph.D from The University of Nottingham (Neuroscience Section of the School of Biomedical Sciences) under the direction of Profs Charles Marsden and Dave Kendall and Dr Rob Mason. Dr. Cheer’s graduate research focused on the behavioral and electrophysiological effects of cannabinoids.

Dr. Cheer’s first postdoc (2000-2002) was spent in Sam Deadwyler’s laboratory (Wake Forest University School of Medicine) where he conducted research on multiple single-unit electrophysiology in freely moving organisms. Joe joined Mark Wightman’s lab as a post doc in fall 2002 at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill). There, he established the use of a microelectrode that allows for the simultaneous measurement of single-unit activity and dopamine release via fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.

Dr. Cheer is currently a tenured associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he directs several NIH and private foundation-funded graduate and undergraduate projects related to several neurophysiological and neurochemical aspects of endogenous cannabinoid signaling in intact systems.

Hosts: Professors Fow-Sen Choa (Sorry, you need javascript to view this email address. ) and Alan T. Sherman (Sorry, you need javascript to view this email address. )

Name: Shannon Jackson

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: U.S. Geological Survey MD-DE-DC Water Science Center

Position Title: GIS and Data Analysis Student Contractor

Major(s)/Minor(s): B.S. Environmental Science, Certificate in Geographic Information Science

Expected Graduation Year: May 2016 

Briefly describe your internship, co-op,  or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.

I am a paid student contracted employee at the USGS Water Science Center right on campus at BWtech North. I work alongside two Geographic Information Systems analysts working under the National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA). I utilize programs such as ArcMap, SAS, R, Excel and Python to analyze and process water quality data used by researchers at the USGS and other agencies. Our data is used to understand whether water conditions are getting better or worse over time and how natural features and human activities affect those conditions. 

Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.

One of my professors, Joseph School, who manages the GIS and cartography labs at UMBC and teaches two GIS courses (GES 286 and GES 386) recommended I apply for the position. On the same day I emailed the coordinator a copy of my resume, unofficial transcripts, and a portfolio of GIS work. The following day I had an interview, and by the end of the week I was hired! It was a quick process.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

I really enjoy learning hands-on. My Dad has always told me that college is about "learning how to learn." While your grades are a reflection of your capabilities in the classroom, the real test comes when you must translate this knowledge in the workplace. Internships allow you to acquire skills and real-world experience before you are overwhelmed by the expectations of a full time position.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

My work allows researchers across the country to access up to date, reliable data for their projects. This data allows for stakeholders to design and implement strategies for managing, protecting, and monitoring water resources in many different hydrologic and land-use settings across the Nation.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

Start forming relationships with faculty in your department from day one. They are the ones who watch you learn, grow, and improve. They have forged long careers and have connections with employers all over the Baltimore-DC area and even across the country. Don't be afraid to ask them for recommendations or opportunities, because they are here to help. I also recommend signing up for your department's listserv. Professors are constantly sending updates on available positions in our area. Don't be afraid to apply for positions even if you feel under qualified. 

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#UMBCintern

Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!

The 10-week summer program introduces students to the nature of research-oriented careers in physics & astronomy, and fosters development of research-related skills and knowledge. Students are matched with faculty mentors based on interests. Students will engage in weekly seminars, field trips and workshops that will provide additional skills development, professional development topics such as ethics and patents/intellectual property, and an introduction to common research resources. 

View sample projects here.

ELIGIBILITY

• You must be an undergraduate student in any academic year (freshman through senior) at the time of the summer program.
• You don't need to have a declared major, but you must have already completed the introductory physics sequence at your school.
• Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

PROGRAM CALENDAR - SUMMER 2016

• February 15  →  complete applications are due by this date (late applications will be accepted as space permits).
• March 1  →  acceptance notifications will be sent around this date.
• May 1  →  matching of participants to mentors will be finalized; travel arrangements should be completed.
• May 23  →  first day of Summer 2016 Program.
• July 29 →  Summer Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF), poster presentations from all students in the LSU's STEM summer research programs.
• July 30 →  last day of Summer 2016 Program.

International Students who are interested in a summer research program may refer to this document: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14-Gu0u8aTdq3AplVtVuaeur0OYjRdTVdrjXWGjzP1fI/edit?rm=full#gid=0

Nine to twelve positions are available for this 8-week summer program for students who are interested in conducting research under the guidance of faculty from Computer Science and Aerospace Engineering department at Auburn University. Research assistants will collaborate with advisers to contribute to unmanned flight! Students will also help to autonomously fly six to twelve UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in a limited air space to fulfill different kinds of missions.

Benefits:

1. Up to $7,200 in compensation
2. Opportunity to interact with an experienced research faculty
3. Gain real-world experience in a high-tech field
4. Be able to work with high-caliber information technology, science and engineering professionals
5. Housing and food arrangements are covered by the program

Eligibility:

1. U.S Citizens or permanent residents
2. Undergraduate student with a good academic standing
3. Applicant must plan to complete a degree program
4. Minimum of 36 hours per week of commitment 

More information on eligibility and requirements here.

If you have more questions about the program, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page here.

PROGRAM DATE- MAY 23 2016 (tentative)

APPLICATION DEADLINE- LAST FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY OR UNTIL ALL POSITIONS ARE FILLED

International Students who are interested in a summer research program may refer to this document: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14-Gu0u8aTdq3AplVtVuaeur0OYjRdTVdrjXWGjzP1fI/edit?rm=full#gid=0