Expertise
Research topics:
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Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
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Catecholamines (dopamine & norepinephrine)
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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
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Hippocampal function
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Social behavior
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Spatial learning and memory
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Vestibular pathologies (Usher syndrome)
In vivo techniques:
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AAV viral injections
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Fiber optic cannula implants
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Fiber photometry
Histological procedures:
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Cryosectioning
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Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining
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Transcardial perfusions
Microscopy:
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Brightfield
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Fluorescence (confocal)
As a neuroscientist, Dr. Donaldson's research primarily focuses on hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory. She has expertise in several areas including rodent models of Alzheimer's disease, vestibular pathologies, and developmental alcohol use.
Behavioral assessments:
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Food hoarding
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Ladder rung walking
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Morris water maze
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Open field exploration
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Spontaneous object recognition
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String pulling
Rodent handling, husbandry, and surgery:
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Rats, mice, prairie voles
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Intraperitoneal (IP) injections
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Subcutaneous injections
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Tail vein blood draws
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Retro-orbital blood draws