neuroscience honors thesis umich

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Dissertations and Theses (Ph.D. and Master's)

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Dissertations and theses submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for master's or doctoral degrees at the University of Michigan. This collection also includes theses written by U-M faculty.

Ph.D. dissertations at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor are awarded by the Rackham School of Graduate Studies .

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The coursework in the U-M Medical School Neuroscience Graduate Program curriculum equips students with knowledge in basic neuroscience and related disciplines.

A year-long core course, Principles in Neuroscience, is the hub of the curriculum, and emphasizes Neuropharmacology, Neural Development, Neurophysiology and Computational Neuroscience, Sensory Systems, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, and Clinical and Translational Neuroscience. Students also take a one-semester course in Human Neuroanatomy.

The heart of training in the Neuroscience Graduate Program is laboratory research. Graduate students in neuroscience begin research training upon their arrival on campus, and complete at least three research rotations with program faculty before selecting a laboratory for their dissertation research. These research areas represent seven major sub-disciplines in neuroscience:

• Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
• Clinical Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Sensory Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience

Neuroscience research spans the full range of experimental methods, from molecular biology to human neuroimaging. Students and faculty present their research at local events including the annual Fall Retreat, the Neuroscience Seminar series, in program-sponsored poster sessions and an annual symposium. In addition, students and faculty travel to several national and international meetings, including the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting, to present their research.

Students complete additional laboratory training in cellular and molecular neurobiology during an intensive 2+-week laboratory class before the start of the Fall semester. Courses in statistics and research ethics are required and elective courses are offered across a wide variety of departments and programs allowing students to individualize their training program.

In addition to formal coursework, graduate students in the program attend weekly seminars at which students, faculty, and invited lecturers present their work. The time to degree is approximately 5.8 years.

​ Pre-Term 

Neurosci 623, Introduction to Molecular Neurobiology and Neurophysiology:  This course is an intense introduction to Molecular Neurobiology and Neurophysiology focusing on cellular and molecular neuroscience. It meets for two+ weeks starting in early August. This "bootcamp" provides students an introduction to graduate school and fosters social interactions between the incoming cohort of students. Topics focus on experimental design and statistics, introduction to Matlab and programming skills, and knowledge and technical advances in molecular neurobiology (basic molecular and protein neurobiology, imaging, and electrophysiology). 3 credits

• Research Rotation(s), Neurosci 800 (PIBS registers under PIBS 600): All students must perform research rotations for the Fall and Winter terms. Rotations can be full or half term rotations with any affiliated NGP faculty member. Students admitted via PIBS must get approval for full term rotations from PIBS Director. Optional summer rotations are a possibility.
• 611, Neuropharmacology: Covers pharmodynamics and pharmacokinetics ; Glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, dopamine, adrenergic and serotonergic transmission; Opioid Systems; Neuropeptides and a number of other topics.
• 612, Neural Development: Covers Neurogenesis, Neuronal activity and critical periods, axon growth, degeneration and regeneration, synaptogenesis, neurotrophic factors and other topics.
• 613, Neurophysiology, Circuits and Computational Neuroscience: Covers basic neurophysiology concepts, network activity and computational modeling of neurons and neuronal networks; brain function and network interactions in multiple brain regions.
• Neurosci 570/571, Human Neuroanatomy: Neuroanatomy course and lab provides a systematic survey of the structure of the human nervous system, including major pathways, neurotransmitters, and functions.
• Neurosci 700, Neuroscience Seminar: Weekly colloquium series with talks being presented by students in their second and fourth years as well as invited speakers and internal faculty. This is a 1 credit course.
• PIBS 503, Research Responsibility and Ethics: Covers a number of topics related to the responsible conduct of research. Among the topics usually treated are the proper use and care of animals in research, rules for research involving human subjects, accepted standards for recording data and keeping notebooks, distinguishing ethical from unethical practices and a discussion of what type of contribution to a project merits authorship on papers.
• Other Program Requirement: During year 1 or 2 all students who are eligible are required to submit an NSF proposal.

Winter Term

• Research Rotation(s), Neurosci 801 (PIBS registers under PIBS 600): All students must perform research rotations for the Fall and Winter terms. Rotations can be full or half term rotations with any affiliated NGP faculty member. Students admitted via PIBS must get approval for full term rotations from PIBS Director. Optional summer rotations are a possibility.
• 614- Sensory Systems covers auditory system, visual system, olfaction, somatosensation, taste, and other topics as time allows.
• 615- Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, Topics will include learning and memory, motivation, addiction, circadian rhythms, and stress. Behavioral methods will be discussed.
• 616- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Covers trinucleotide repeat disorders; movement and psychiatric disorders; epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other dementias
• Neurosci 700, Neuroscience Seminar: Weekly colloquium series with talks being presented by students in their second and fourth years as well as invited speakers and internal faculty. This is a 1 credit course. Attendance is required.
• ​ Every student is expected to demonstrate basic proficiency in statistics. This requirement can be satisfied by several different courses, or by previous higher level undergraduate coursework (requires approval to be waived). Can be taken as a candidate level student if approved by the NGP Director. 3 credits
• 3 credits cognate electives are required by Rackham. The electives can be achieved by a variety of courses in Biological Chemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Human Genetics, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychology and other programs and includes Journal clubs. The elective can be taken at either the pre-candidate OR candidate level.
• 614: Sensory Systems covers auditory system, visual system, olfaction, somatosensation, taste, and other topics as time allows.
• 615: Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, Topics will include learning and memory, motivation, addiction, circadian rhythms, and stress. Behavioral methods will be discussed.
• 616: Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Covers trinucleotide repeat disorders; movement and psychiatric disorders; epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other dementias
• Qualifying Exam: Taken after the first year course work has been completed.
• Statistics or Elective Course: If statistics was not taken in the First year, the statistics requirement must be met in the second year. Electives are also available in the second year. The electives can be achieved by a variety of courses in Biological Chemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Human Genetics, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychology, Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, and a variety of other departments.
• Neurosci 995, Candidate Level Research: Students register for 8 credits of laboratory research for each fall and winter term until the completion of their degree
• Neurosci 700, Neuroscience Seminar: Students in year 2 present in either Fall or Winter term of the seminar. They meet in groups of two with a faculty mentor for intense discussion of a relevant topic in neuroscience. Each student selects a paper for presentation (20-minute lecture) to the entire Neuroscience Program. Faculty mentor provides assistance in preparing the talk. Students will receive oral feedback from other Program faculty after the talk. This course gives our students outstanding skills for giving scientific presentations.
• Graduate Student Instructor (GSI): One term of teaching is required for a degree in Neuroscience. This is completed during the second year. NGP students typically teach in Neuroscience, Biology and Psychology as well as selected basic science departments within the Medical School.

Following the Preliminary Examination, the Executive Committee evaluates each student's overall progress. The Committee considers the results of course work and research rotations, performance in the Neuroscience 700 seminar, and results of the Preliminary Examination.

Once a student is deemed qualified to be a candidate for the Ph.D., he/she is recommended to the Graduate School. When the University and the Graduate School requirements have been met, the candidate will receive a "Candidate's Certificate" and may proceed to form a Dissertation Committee and undertake a Ph.D. research project.

Additional Program Requirements after Candidacy (see details below)

• Formation of PhD Thesis Committee
• Preparation of Thesis Research Proposal (NRSA format) for Presentation to Dissertation Committee
• PhD Thesis Committee meetings every 6-8 months
• Yearly Completion of IDP
• Attendance at required NGP events (NGP retreat, Michigan Neuroscience Conference, welcome picnic) 
• 4th year thesis research seminar in NS700

The student, in consultation with their mentor, will provide a one paragraph summary of their thesis research and nominations for members of the Dissertation Committee to the Executive Committee in Fall of their second year. A minimum of five faculty members must constitute the Dissertation Committee (at least three of whom must be members of the Program). Students will also identify a Thesis Committee Co-Chair.

After approval by the Executive Committee, the student will meet with his/her Dissertation Committee and present the Specific Aims for their full thesis proposal along with a brief description of preliminary data and proposed experimental methods to obtain suggestions and feedback from their committee members. The student will then prepare a full NIH F31-style research proposal on their thesis research to present to their committee in Winter/Spring/Summer of their second year. All eligible students are strongly encouraged to submit this F31 proposal to NIH in their 2nd or 3rd year for funding of their thesis dissertation project.  

Semi-annual meetings (every 6-8 months) of the Dissertation Committee are expected, providing strong intellectual and personal support to help the student complete a first-rate dissertation. It is the responsibility of the mentor and Dissertation Committee to keep the NGP program leadership informed of the student’s progress by completing thesis committee meeting reports.

The requirements for a completed thesis are determined by the Dissertation Committee in consultation with the research mentor and the student. Research comprising published manuscripts as well as additional unpublished material are often included as chapters in the thesis. In addition, a scholarly introductory chapter and final discussion chapter must be included to provide an integrated dissertation. The student must present a public seminar on the dissertation research followed by an oral defense of the dissertation before the Dissertation Committee. 

NGP students in lab classroom

NGP student orientation in the RPR (Resting Potential Room)

NGP students in classroom

A Graduate Instructor teaching students

NGP students and faculty enjoy a seminar in Palmer Commons Forum Hall

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Join a Research Lab

The psychology department offers research courses—PSY 280, PSY 380, and PSY 480—for students who have declared psychology as their major. Each course has a different set of pre-requisites and enables students to earn credits toward the PSY BA and BS degree. While a student can enroll in as many research credits as they like, only 6 credits of research will apply toward the major. The flexibility to take a 200, 300, or 400-level research class can facilitate completion of the requirements for both the BA and BS major. Neuroscience majors can likewise register for NEU 280, NEU 380, and NEU 480.

To join a research lab and enroll in PSY or NEU 280/380/480, follow these steps:

1) Learn about the ongoing faculty research  in the Psychology department and identify faculty members whose interests match yours. Note that a “C” at the top of a profile means the faculty member is a clinician and/or engages in clinical research. A “P” means that the faculty member engages in non-clinical psychological research (e.g., social, cognitive, developmental, evolutionary, or neuroscience research).

2) Determine which faculty are taking Research Assistants for the semester you’d like to enroll. 

3 ) Email the faculty member expressing interest in joining their lab and request to meet to discuss the opportunities available. 

4) FOR PSY 280/380/480, if admitted into the lab,  the Faculty member  will give you a PIN to register.

FOR NEU 280/380/480,please email Dr. Helen Bramlett ( [email protected] ) with your name, course number and faculty mentor.  She will provide you with a PIN.

Senior Honors Theses

Psychology and Neuroscience majors have the opportunity to complete an Honors Thesis during their time at UM. The Honors Theses courses are a two-semester sequence (PSY 580/581 or NEU 580/581), typically started in the Fall of senior year and completed in the Spring of graduation year. It is possible to begin earlier, and this can be discussed with the Faculty advisor and Associate Chair of Academic Affairs and Research. As a student in the 580/581 sequence, you will be required to meet regularly with the Associate Chair of Academic Affairs and Research, Prof. Yanerys Leon.

Students who wish to complete an Honor’s Thesis have usually been engaged in Research activities in the lab of a Psychology or Neuroscience Faculty member during previous semesters. To register for a Senior Honor's Thesis, please email Dr. Leon at  [email protected] .

Summer Research Programs

The following summer research programs are administered through the Department of Psychology.

PRIME Summer Research Scholarship

Psychology Research Initiatives Mentorship Experience (PRIME) began as part of a nationwide effort to increase the diversity of individuals entering the psycho-biomedical sciences.  The PRIME program is a 10-week summer research program designed for students who intend to apply to Ph.D. programs.  Throughout this program, students are required to work 35 hours per week on psychological research under the direction of a psychology faculty member.  PRIME students are also required to attend weekly seminars where they discuss their research projects, research ethics and protocol, post-graduation plans, guidelines for poster presentations, and several other topics. PRIME participants showcase their research projects at an end-of-the-summer poster presentation.  These students are also expected to present their findings at the UM Research, Creativity, and Innovation Forum, which is held during the following spring semester (i.e., students must have at least two more semesters before graduation). 

PRIME for Florida Agricultural & Mechanical (PRIME-FAM)

Psychology Research Initiatives Mentorship Experience for Florida Agricultural & Mechanical (PRIME-FAM) began as a partnership to bring a small cohort of FAM students to Miami to participate in PRIME. Students from FAM are provided with 10 weeks of accommodations, mentorship, and state-of-the-art research training in an effort to bolster their competitiveness when they apply for graduate programs. During PRIME-FAM, students will be matched with UM Psychology Department faculty (https://www.psy.miami.edu/people/faculty/index.html), who will serve as research mentors to PRIME-FAM students as they perform psychological/neuroscience research at UM. In addition, during weekly meetings, students will be taught research methodology, the scientific process, how to find and cite research articles, how to present research (posters and oral presentation), how to apply and get into graduate school, and what to expect in graduate school. Furthermore, PRIME-FAM fellows will meet periodically with an appointed faculty mentor to discuss non-academic issues related to diversity, networking, and institutional social adjustment. At the end of the summer, PRIME-FAM fellows will present their research at the PRIME 3-minute thesis (3MT) session.

Lois Pope Neuroscience Summer Research Scholarship

A generous endowment made to the University of Miami (UM) by our Trustee, Lois Pope, allows undergraduate neuroscience majors to participate in summer neuroscience research projects at UM.  Participants are required to work 40 hours per week for at least 10 weeks on neuroscience research, and they are expected to present their findings at the UM Research, Creativity, and Innovation Forum, which is held during the following spring semester (i.e., students must have at least two more semesters before graduation).  Lois Pope participants may also participate in the   PRIME   program as   PRIME   Adjuncts, and they may be invited to attend special activities related to other summer research programs, such as the Dean's Women and Minority Research Program and the Honors Research Program.

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In addition to our annual PBS Honors Student Thesis Poster Session, honor student posters will be shared on this page.

HONORS PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH

Decision Utilities of Effective Policy Strategy: The Impact of Message Framing and Authorship on Visual Search Dynamics in Climate Communications by Mackenzie Brady  (advised by Arjen Stolk and Kimberly Clark)

Are You Plugged In? Intergroup Competition Reduces Energy Consumption by Sade Franci s (advised by Luke Chang)

Can Psychosocial Interventions Preserve The  Lifespan of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness? Systematic Review of Accelerated Biological Aging in People with a Serious Mental Illness   by Julia Hill (advised by Karen Fortuna)

Examining the Interplay of Memory and Navigational Affordance on the Speed of Perceptual Awareness in Real-World Scenes by Adithi Jayaraman (advised by Caroline Robertson)

Metastereotyping, Anticipatory Epistemic Injustice, and Defensive Storytelling: Narrative to Bridge Social Divides by Anna Katherine Ray (advised by Emily Finn)

Honors Neuroscience Research

People With Higher Depressive Tendencies are More Idiosyncratic in Their Neural Event Boundaries by Evan Bloch (advised by Emily Finn)

The First Comprehensive Case Study of Developmental Prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) by Sydney Fortner (advised by Brad Duchaine)

Determining the Role of Monocytes in Parkinson's Disease-Related Neuroinflammation   by Isabella Fox (advised by Matthew Havrda)

Characterizing Dopaminergic Signaling in the Nucleus Accumbens Core Across Different Sign-tracking responses using Fiber Photometry   by Daniela Garcia (advised by Kyle Smith)

Using a Deep-Phenotyping Approach to Test the Efficacy of an Enhanced Acceptance-based Mindfulness Strategy for Pain Across Multiple Body Sites by Sreekar Kasturi (advised by Tor Wager)

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2024 UVA Brain Symposium Hosts Over 300 Neuroscience Researchers

May 29, 2024 by [email protected]

The event featured 23 presentations from UVA faculty as well as visiting leaders in neuroscience research. Presentations were grouped into 5 topic sessions, each of which represents an area of strategic investment and institutional strength at the University of Virginia. The 2024 sessions were Neurodevelopment, Pain & Addiction, Brain Aging, Epilepsy, and Neuroimmunology.

The 2024 Brain Symposium also included two keynote lectures from Walter Koroshetz, MD, Director of the National Institute for Neurological Disorders & Stroke, and Lori Isom, PhD, Chair of the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan. The lecture presented by Dr. Koroshetz was named in honor of the late Edward P. Owens (’68).

The UVA faculty who presented were Barry Condron, PhD (Biology), Tsai­-Yi Lu, PhD (Neuroscience), Wendy Lynch, PhD (Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences), Patrick Finan, PhD (Anesthesiology), Sarah Flowers, PhD (Neuroscience), Manoj Patel, PhD (Anesthesiology), and Alban Gaultier, PhD (Neuroscience). The 2024 visiting faculty were Crystal Rogers, PhD (University of California, Davis), Rosa Uribe, PhD (Rice University), Adre du Plessis, MBChB (Children’s National Hospital), Scott Edwards, PhD (Louisiana State University), Chad Brummett, MD (University of Michigan), Shane Liddelow, PhD (New York University), Morgan Barense, PhD (University of Toronto), Halima Amjad, MD, PhD, MPH (Johns Hopkins University), Esther Krook-Magnuson, PhD (University of Minnesota), Juliet Knowles, MD, PhD (Stanford University), Gary Yellen, PhD (Harvard University), Gloria Choi, PhD (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Greg Lemke, PhD (Salk Institute), and Richard Daneman, PhD (University of California San Diego).

In addition to research talks, over 60 students, staff, and faculty presented posters for the 2024 Poster Contest. This year’s poster contest winners were Maxwell Ritterband (undergraduate), Emily McCoy (graduate), and Yipkin Calhan (postdoctoral). Neuroscience trainees participated in a neuroscience career breakout lunch on Wednesday that allowed 100 UVA trainees to discuss various non-academically traditional career paths with 8 career representatives.

Join the UVA Brain Institute’s mailing list to receive information about future events.

Photos by Tom Daly.

Filed Under: Featured , Research

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