Monthly Archive for January, 2006

BISC 195. Independent Study
“1-6 sem. hrs.

A reading and/or research program under the direct supervision of a faculty member of the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Prereq: Consent of Department Chair”

We are currently recruiting a BISC 195 Student (possibly 2) to work in the Cannon lab during the spring semester. The project will include becoming familiar with transgenic mice, assisting with the collection of original research data (behavioral and molecular analyses), analysis of the data and presentation of the results. A minimum of 3 credits is required.

Students who participate in BISC 195 during the Spring semester are also encouraged to apply for the Summer Research Program.

How to apply:
Interested students should contact Dr. Cannon at:

Please include a letter of intent that outlines:
a) why lab experience is of interest to you,
b) prior research experience (if any), and
c) lists an academic or scientific reference (someone who can comment on your performance in a science-related class or project).

Include any additional information that you believe relevant (i.e., G.P.A., major, career goals, etc.).

More about working in the lab:

I have a strong committment to working with and mentoring undergraduate researchers. My own undergraduate research experience was the one thing I did in college which most prepared me for post-graduate life. Working in a lab helped me to prepare for the rigours of a professional degree program. I became an author on peer-reviewed scientific publications, which helped me to “stand out from the crowd” when I was applying to programs. I developed strong letters of recommendation. After working for credit, I was promoted to a paid position – which helped me to pay for school. And – it was alot of fun. Working in a lab also is a serious commitment. It takes time and dedication. It requires that you develop technical excellence and the ability to think critically about your work. For students who are willing to accept those challenges – this is a great lab to work in.

Here are some examples of student projects I have supervised recently. Many of these students are my co-authors on the relevant scientific publications.

M. Bseikri
2002- 2004
Feeding and reward in dopamine-deficient mice
Mr. Bseikri was accepted to medical school at the University of Washington.

J. Kam and M. Hoertkorn
2003-2004
Immunohistofluorescent colocalization of β-gal and TH in Six3-Cre;Rosa26R adult mouse brain.
Ms. Kam went on to work in a lab at the University of Washington, and Mr. Hoertkorn was accepted at DeMoines Medical University.

C. Scannell
2002
Two projects: Conditioned taste aversion in D1r-/- mice, and Reward in dopamine-deficient mice
Mr. Scannell went on to work at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. He is currently enrolled in the M.D./Ph.D. program at UCSD/Scripps.

J. Roberts
2002- 2003
Three projects: Antipsychoptic-induced obesity, amphetamine hypophagia, and CCK in Dbh-/- mice.
Mr. Roberts went on to work in a lab at the University of Washington.

K. Kempe
2001- 2003
Antipsychotic induced weight-gain
Ms. Kempe is now a medical student at the University of Washington.

D. Reid
1998- 2000
Leptin-cholecytokinin synergy
Ms. Reid was first accepted to Veterinary School but decided, instead, to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. She currently attends Pacific University in their P.T. program.