Loudness Intolerance in a Rat Model of Fragile X Syndrome

Microscope and petri dish in a laboratory.

Assess the auditory perceptual disruptions in rodent models of autism.

Project description

This project is designed to examine auditory hypersensitivty and loudness intolerance in a rat model of Fragile X syndrome, a leading inherited cause of autism. Responsibilities include performing behavioral studies on sound avoidance and data collection/analysis. Requires animal training/handling, sound calibration, and learning to use analysis software.

Project outcomes

  • Collect and analyze behavioral data
  • Experience in experimental design and analysis
  • Present work at a scientific meeting
  • Experience in scientific writing and grant submission 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About a semester (3-5 months)
Start time Any time
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students)
Benefits Variable
Who is eligible Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Support Funding is available after the completion of the preparation badge. See below.

Project mentor

Benjamin Auerback

Research Assistant Professor

Center for Hearing and Deafness

Phone: (716) 228-7928

Email: bda5@buffalo.edu

Preparation

To engage with this project, you will work through a series of Project-Based Collaboration digital badges to guide your experience. These badges will:

  1. Guide you in setting your goals and intentions as well as gaining additional context,
  2. Enhance your collaboration with your mentor/partner,
  3. Support your reflection and help you integrate your learning with your academic and professional goals.

All students who wish to participate in a project on the Project Portal must first complete the Project Preparation Digital Badge. First, contact the project mentor to discuss availability and after you’ve received approval, you can start the Project Preparation Digital Badge.

Start the Project Preparation Digital Badge

Preparation guidance

Once you have registered for the Project Preparation Digital Badge, you will receive further instructions related to the activities you will need to complete. In addition, you will also complete the following preparation activities for this particular project:

  • Reading seminal articles or books 
  • Other activities relevant to your project (TBD with project mentor)