Ulises M. Ricoy, Ph.D.
Rm 624A Gould-Simpson
I am trained in Neurobiology (behavior, physiology). My doctoral dissertation studied neuroanatomical substrates of drug (Methamphetamine) reward (Hippocampus). My postdoctoral training examined cellular mechanisms underlying (pre)synaptic inhibition on central synapse dynamics. Understanding how neurons encode and compute information is fundamental to the study of the brain, but opportunities for hands-on experiences with such techniques on live neurons are rare in science education. For the past decade, I have used my formal training to explore low-cost and hands-on approaches (using invertebrates) in neuroscience to explore behavioral and physiological questions (learning and memory, locomotor activity, drug-seeking, drug reward) with undergraduates. Broadening access in Neuroscience to historical underserved populations via low cost approaches has been the vision of my past and current interests.
Current Lab Interests:
- How do invertebrates (insects) adapt to their environment?
- How do invertebrates (insects) move (locomotion) in various settings.
- Invertebrates as models of natural and drug reward.
- To examine neural mechanisms involved in these behaviors, the lab is now interested in establishing videography, electrophysiology and mathematical modeling approaches.
- Low cost approaches to study invertebrate behavior and physiology.
- Low cost approaches to broaden participation in Neuroscience from historically underserved populations.
Specialties:
Diversity, Science Outreach, STEM Education, Minority-Serving Institutions, History of Science, Science Identity