Behavior Analysis Murine (BAM) Lab
The Behavior Analysis Murine (BAM) laboratory at Upstate Medical University aims to identify the factors that affect the behavior of rats and mice. By training these species to perform specific behaviors (e.g., pressing levers) and arranging their environments in specific ways, researchers are able to study how they interact with, learn about, and adapt to their surroundings. The ultimate goal of this research is to learn something about the basic learning factors that contribute to human behavior.
Research in the BAM lab examines a broad range of topics, but areas of particular emphasis include:
- Persistence of behavior when faced with challenges
- Relapse of eliminated behavior when environmental variables change
- The choice between competing sources of reward
- Impulsive decision-making.
A secondary focus of the BAM lab is to study behavioral and neurobiological differences between rodents that display characteristics of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, schizophrenia, fetal alcohol syndrome) and neurotypical rodents. This work may help to inform treatments to minimize the behavioral symptoms of these disorders and clarify their neurobiological correlates.
Support for this lab is provided by the Richard and Jean Clark Pediatric Research Endowment.
Providers
Licensed Behavior Analyst,
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Physiology
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology from West Virginia University
- M.S. in Psychology from Utah State University
- Ph.D. from Utah State University
Services provided:
- Complex Behavior Program
- Behavior Analysis Murine Laboratory
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based treatment for behavior disorders that makes meaningful differences in people’s lives. My research focuses on understanding basic learning factors that can make ABA treatments more efficient and effective. As Chair of the Behavior Analysis Studies Program, my goal is to provide the highest quality learning environment for the next generation of ABA scientist-practitioners.
Education:
- B.S in Psychology from Universidad de Sonora
- M.S in Behavioral Science from Universidad de Guadalajara
- Ph.D in Behavioral Science from Universidad de Guadalajara
Services provided:
- Complex Behavior Program
- Behavior Analysis Murine Laboratory
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:
Due to my educational background I learned about behavioral principles, how behavior can maintain but also change. I believe that aside from the importance of knowing why behavior change and how research can help guide behavioral services, we also need to keep in mind how to be effective and useful for families who need ABA services. My goal is to be a good researcher but also be able to provide impactful services in ABA.