Sex Differences in the Neuroscience of Eating
Image of immunohistochemical staining of brain tissue.
Assist in ongoing studies exploring how sex hormones and diet change responses to feeding-relevant neurohormonal signals in females and males.
Project is Not Currently Available
This project has reached full capacity for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.
Project description
This project uses a rodent model to evaluate how feeding-relevant hormones affect energy balance control differently in males and females. We will examine outcomes related to food intake, body weight change, and food reward. This will involve assessing how sex hormones and diet can change responses to satiation signals. This could shed light onto sex differences in feeding and weight control.
Student should have a minimum of 6 hours/week available to work in the lab. Morning / early afternoon availability is essential (~9:00am-12:30pm). Some weekend work will be required.
Students will gain experience collecting and analyzing behavioral and physiological data in rodent models, and will learn about experimental design. They will also learn how to handle rodents and how to measure rats’ food intake and body weight. Students will also assist with other ongoing projects in the lab studying other aspects of the neural controls of energy balance in rodents.
Project outcome
The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration.
Project details
| Length of commitment | Year long (about 10-12 mos) |
| Start time | Anytime |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-person project |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Research experience |
| Who is eligible | Sophmores, juniors, seniors |
Project mentor
Elizabeth G. Mietlicki-Baase
Assistant Professor
Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
Complete relevant trainings offered at UB, including CITI trainings online, hands-on training in rodent work, and lab safety.
Keywords
Exercise and Nutrition Sciences