Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Annette Bennett Rose Hills

The Effect of Dopamine on Operant Conditioning

My research explores the connection between dopamine, a key neurotransmitter involved in learning and reward, and operant conditioning. Using zebra finches as a model organism, the study investigates how manipulating dopamine levels affects learning outcomes. By modulating neural activity, we examine whether changes in dopamine impact response times and accuracy in operant conditioning tasks. The findings could shed light on the neural mechanisms behind reward-based learning and contribute to advancements in cognitive and behavioral therapies. The results will provide valuable insights into the role of dopamine in learning and behavior, with potential applications in treating various neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Message To Sponsor

Thank you for your generous support of my research project this summer. Your funding allows me to explore opportunities invaluable to my academic journey, and I'm excited to contribute new insights that could benefit cognitive and behavioral therapies.