Automation and validation software for behavioral tracking in mice

How does adolescent drinking affect cognitive performance later in adulthood? The goal of this project is to determine the effect of early adolescent alcohol on cognitive performance in mid-adolescent and adult mice. Student will analyze videos of mice performing cognitive testing and validating open-access behavioral analysis software (e.g., SLEAP, EZ track, etc.) in Python programing language. Student will process data for data visualization using Microsoft Excel and R programing language, video editing for presentations, and statistical analyses.

Name of research group, project, or lab
The Richardson Lab
Website
https://www.richardsonlab-umass.com
Why participate in this opportunity?

Chance to develop analytical and computational analysis skills evaluating mice behavior in an array of cognitive tasks. 

Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Animal Behavior
Neuroscience
Student ranks applicable
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Student qualifications
  • Data entry and generation of graphs in Microsoft Excel
  • Data organization and visualization in R
  • Familiarity with video editing software 
  • Familiarity with Python programing language software
Time commitment
8-10 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Ind. Study Credit
Number of openings
2
Techniques learned
  • Video analysis of laboratory rodent behavior
  • Use of behavioral analysis software (e.g., SLEAP, EZ track, etc.)
  • Data visualization in Microsoft Excel and R
  • Statistical analyses 
Project start
Fall 2024
Contact Information:
Mentors
Annabelle Flores Bonilla
afloresbonil@umass.edu
Graduate Student
Heather Richardson
heatherr@umass.edu
Principal Investigator
Name of project director or principal investigator
Heather N. Richardson
Email address of project director or principal investigator
hrichardson@cns.umass.edu
2 sp. | 12 appl.
Hours
8-10 h/wk
Project categories
Neuroscience (+1)
Animal BehaviorNeuroscience