We develop, implement, and utilize animal models that rely on general and cognitive performance to address specific problems of military relevance. In rodents we use operant behavior, maze performance, passive avoidance, discrimination paradigms, spontaneous motor activity, and other indices of learned and unlearned behavior to model performance. These models are used to develop and evaluate novel pharmacological treatments for adverse conditions of specific interest to the military. Research focuses on characterizing experimental drugs and on a multidisciplinary approach to investigate pharmacological and biochemical correlates of cognition and general performance. Collaboration with Institute and other DOD laboratory, psychologists, pharmacologists, physiologists, and biochemists is integral. Current interest areas include preclinical development of pharmacological therapies to treat PTSD.

 

References

Genovese RF, et al: Neurotoxicology and Teratology 31: 110, 2009

Genovese RF, Newman DB: Archives of Toxicology 82: 379, 2008

 

key words

Neurotoxicology; Behavioral pharmacology; Stress; Cognition; Memory; Neuropharmacology; Animal performance;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants