The Peri-Operative Neurocognitive Research Team (PORT) Laboratory is seeking four undergraduate students to joint their team. PORT Laboratory studies neurocognitive function in older adults, particularly in the setting of major surgery. They are especially interested in the interaction between patient factors (including neurodegenerative pathology), perioperative stressors, postoperative delirium, longer term cognitive and physical function, and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. PORT is a diverse team, both in terms of age, gender and national/racial/ethnic backgrounds; and in terms of our academic backgrounds. Their team and collaborators include members whose families hail from many different countries and who have training in fields ranging from clinical anesthesiology, neuropsychology and neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, sleep medicine, biostatistics, clinical research, flow cytometry, proteomics, to mouse genetics.
Their clinical-translational research group employs a wide range of techniques to understand why neurocognitive disorders occur in the setting of surgery and critical illness. To understand mechanisms of these disorders, they use cognitive testing, sleep EEG, cerebrospinal fluid molecular assays and proteomics, and Alzheimer’s disease biomarker measurements. Students can expect to work in a medium-sized group consisting of other undergraduates, medical students, residents, and clinical research staff. They have several projects that have roles for students.
1. They are conducting a prospective, observational study (Low Neurophysiologic Resistance to Anesthetics as a Marker of Preclinical/Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease and Neurovascular Pathology, Delirium risk and Inattention, ALADDIN) to determine the relationship between intraoperative anesthetic-adjusted EEG metrics and preclinical AD neuropathology. There are opportunities to shadow clinical assessments (MRI, in-patient cognitive assessments, clincial procedures), patient interactions and other study activities.
2. They are conducting a high-throughput observational study (Screening for genetic risk factors of Alzheimer's Disease, GENIE) to Determine the ApoE genotype of individuals ages 18-60 with no known neurological or psychiatric diagnoses. There are opportunities for data entry and analysis, study document preparation, patient recruitment, etc.
These projects will help student workers develop an understanding of neurobiological pathways that could contribute to delirium.
This is On-Campus Job (work study required)
Requirements:
A passion for biomedical science and an enthusiasm to take on new tasks and work in a team. Applicants should have a strong attention to detail. Biological or computer science, neuroscience or other related majors are encouraged to apply. Job responsibilities would be in person at Duke University Hospital.
Required Skills:
Hours:
Rate:
To Apply:
Please send a copy of your resume to Tyler Reekes at tyler.reekes@duke.edu.
Job ID 7422
Department of Psychology & Neuroscience