Dr. Jim Grau
Email: J-Grau@tamu.edu
Phone number: (409) 845-2584
Office: Psychology Bldg. Room 206
Dr. Jim Grau
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Research Summary: Dr. Grau's research has focused on a number of topics, including learning, pain modulation, and the recovery of function after spinal cord injury. Recent studies on pain modulation, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Meagher (Psychology), have examined factors that enhance pain and the neural systems that underlie this effect. Studies on learning have explored the functional limits of neural plasticity within the spinal cord, demonstrating that this system can support some basic forms of learning (e.g., instrumental and Pavlovian conditioning). We have shown that stimuli that engage pain fibers independent of a discrete response can cause a loss in behavioral potential within the spinal cord and that this effect undermines the recovery of function after spinal cord injury. Pharmacological studies have examined the neurochemical systems involved and have identified some drug therapies that can help protect spinal cord neurons. In collaboration with Dr. Rajesh Miranda (Medical Anatomy), current studies are exploring the molecular mechanisms that underlie these effects. Dr. Grau is a University Fellow and his research is supported by grants from NIMH and NINDS.
Academic Information:Vita
In the News:
Course(s) Taught:
- Psycholog 320 - Sensation-Perception (Spring, 01)
- Psychology 340 - Psychology of Learning (Spring, 06)
- Psychology 340H - Psychology of Learning (Fall, 03)
- Psychology 606 - Classical Conditioning and Instrumental Learning (Fall, 04)
- Psychology 615 - Perceptual Processes (Fall, 99)
- Psychology 649 - Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (Spring, 99)
Family: Mary Meagher, Alex
Soccer: U16 Combined, U14 Girls