Research topics: The Giardino Laboratory aims to decipher the neural mechanisms underlying psychiatric conditions of stress, addiction, and sleep disturbances.
Techniques: Our work uses genetic, pharmacological, physiological, anatomical, optical, and computational approaches in freely-behaving mice to monitor, manipulate, and map the neural circuits, synapses, and signaling mechanisms that drive approach/avoidance behaviors, drug-seeking, food intake, social interactions, sleep/wake cycles, and other arousal states.
Website: William Giardino
Seeking undergrads for: Academic year, Summer
Location: Flexible, with possibilities for remote or on-campus research projects
Required skills: Strong interest in neuroscience
This lab is particularly interested in mentoring: Undergrads from backgrounds that are underrepresented in STEM, Undergrads without previous exposure to laboratory research, Undergrads from local community colleges
How to apply: Contact Dr. Giardino (willgiar@stanford.edu)
Project information: Students will examine sex differences in the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and behavioral functions of extended amygdala neuropeptide neurons that regulate the stress response and reward-seeking in mice.