1991:Bachelor of Science. University of New England (Physiology
major, biochemistry minor).
1993: First Class Honors. University of New England (Physiology).
1998: Ph.D. University of New England (Physiology).
1997-1999 Postdoctoral Fellow. University of Memphis (Psychology).
2000 Postdoctoral Fellow. UTMDACC (Psychology).
(Honorary)
2001 Masters Student. Southwest Texas State University
(Counseling and Guidance).
2002-2004 Postdoctoral Fellow Texas A&M University
(Psychology)
Grants/ Scholarships
2005 NIH NINDS RO3: Pavlovian Conditioning of Injured
Spinal Cord Systems
2005 NIH NIDA B-Start: The Effects of Morphine on
Sensory and Motor Functions
1999 American Society of Primatologists General Small
Grant
1997 Del Duca Foundation Scholarship (France) for
Postdoctoral Research (not taken).
1997 Academic Women's Association Student Travel Scholarship
1994 University of New England Research Scholarship
(for graduate study)
National/ International Conference Presentations
1996 First prize in the student competition for the
'Best Oral Presentation' at the
joint XVIth Congress of the International Primatological
Society/ XIXth Conference of the American Society
of Primatologists in Madison, Wisconsin.
1995 Second prize in the student competition for the
'Best Oral Presentation' at the meeting of the Australasian
Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Animal Welfare
1994 Part of the team at the University of New England
receiving High
Commendation for Housing and Cage design for a nonhuman
primate, the common marmoset, from the Australian
Care and Ethics Review Panel. The housing design
used for the colony at UNE is now regarded as the
desired caging standard for marmosets throughout
Australia.
2002-present Research Scientist/ Post-doctoral
research on the plasticity of ‘spinal cord learning.’
This research includes examination of the effects of
intrathecally administered neurochemical substances on
learning deficits observed in spinalized (T2 transection)
rats pre-exposed to noncontingent shock. These studies
are extended to examine potential neurochemical agents,
and behavioral therapies, that might facilitate recovery
of locomotor function in rats with a mid-thoracic (T8)
contusion injury. Behavioral indices of motor recovery
include assessment with the BBB scale, beam crossing
evaluations, and examination of sensitivity to mechanical
(von Frey hairs), shock and heat stimuli. Molecular techniques
used to examine neuronal plasticity include immunohistological
staining, western blots, and protein activity assays.
2001-2002 Co-ordinating the collection
of data on the hand preferences of a large group of captive
chimpanzees, then tabulating and analyzing the data.
This project forms part of a large-scale study conducted
by Dr. Bill Hopkins at Yerkes Regional Primate Center
of Emory University. The study is looking at ultimate
and proximate factors (e.g., birth parity, rearing experience,
parents’ preferences) that might influence hand
preferences in apes, with the aim of identifying potential
factors that might relate to brain lateralization in
humans.
Conducting a retrospective analysis of factors influencing
maternal success in chimpanzees. This project forms part
of another large-scale study conducted by Dr. Bill Hopkins.
The aim of this study is to determine whether factors
such as the number of previous births influence a mother’s
successful raising of an offspring.
1999-2000 Research on the behaviors of
macaques (Macaca mulatta, Macaca fasicularis), and chimpanzees
(Pan troglodytes). Designed experiments and collected
data on eye and hand preferences of chimpanzees, cultural
behavior in rhesus monkeys and chimpanzees, and on the
cognitive abilities of cynomolgous macaques.
1997-1999 Post-doctoral research on the
behavioral lateralization of the small-eared bushbaby
(Otolemur garnettii), rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta),
and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). Also included experience
in supervision of weekly graduate forums.
1997-1998 Administration and analysis
of assessments of current cognitive functions in children.
Assessment batteries included Bayley Cognitive and Motor
Scales of Infant Development; the Wechsler Adult Intelligence
Test; the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; Wechsler
Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence; the Stanford-Binet
Scales.
1991-1997 A longitudinal investigation
of the lateralization of the common marmoset. This study
involved a comprehensive analysis of the lateralization
of various functions including measures of hand preference,
eye preference, limb preferences during locomotion, and
asymmetries in the production of facial expressions.
These studies required modification of protocols used
previously by other researchers, and the development
of innovative research techniques for measuring lateralized
facial expressions and foot preferences in nonhuman primates.
Detailed studies of the behavioral development of infant
marmosets (0-2) months, mother/father-infant interactions,
and approach-avoidance behavior. These studies were conducted
as a casual research assistant, and as part of an Australian
Research Council Grant awarded to Professor Lesley Rogers
(University of New England, Armidale, Australia).
Considerable experience monitoring the health of primates
through weighing and behavioral observation. This experience
was further extended during my post- doctoral appointments
with opportunities to learn about the behavior of diverse
primate species.
Implemented and designed environmental enrichment programs
for marmosets
and bushbabies
Completed an introductory Animal Care and Ethics course
and an Introductory Surgery course which involved theoretical
and practical instruction in the application of basic
surgical techniques used with nonhuman species i.e.,
sheep, marmosets.
1989-1991 Laboratory training (as part
of undergraduate requirements) in physiology (renal,
neurophysiology and behaviour, endocrinology, renal physiology,
cardiovascular physiology), biochemistry (analytical
chemistry, organic chemistry, proteins/ complex lipids
and polysaccharides, mammalian and clinical biochemistry,
human nutrition), and genetics.
