The Janušonis Lab

Department of Psychology
Neuroscience Research Institute
University of California at Santa Barbara

Our research focuses on the neurobiological causes of autism. We use multidisciplinary approaches that include experimental work in mice and post-mortem human tissue, as well as theoretical modeling. Emphasis is placed on fundamental mechanisms that underlie interactions among the developing brain, the gut, and the blood. Interested students should be able to think conceptually and synthetically.

• Light microscopy
• Electron microscopy
• Immunohistochemistry
• 3D-Reconstruction

• DNA analysis (PCR)
• mRNA analysis (RT-PCR)
• Protein analysis (Western blotting)
• Genotyping
• Serotonin biochemistry

• Top-down modeling
• Data-driven modeling

Representative Publications

• Slaten et al. (in preparation)
• Janušonis et al. (2004)

Representative Publications

• Albay et al. (in preparation)
• Janušonis et al. (2006)

Representative Publications

• Janušonis (2008)

Undergraduate Research Assistants
Positions available in Fall 2008

• GPA 3.1 or higher
• At least one of the following courses:
  • Psy 3 (Janušonis)
  • Psy 166
  • Psy 163SJ
  • Psy 267
  • Psy 269
• At least an A- in the most recent course from the list above
• Biology background is strongly preferred
• Students interested in interdisciplinary research are welcome

Undergraduate Research Assistants
Positions available in Fall 2008

• GPA 3.1 or higher
• At least one of the following courses:
  • Psy 3 (Janušonis)
  • Psy 166
  • Psy 163SJ
  • Psy 267
  • Psy 269
• At least an A- in the most recent course from the list above
• Biology background is strongly preferred
• Students interested in interdisciplinary research are welcome

Undergraduate Research Assistants
Positions available in Fall 2008

• GPA 3.1 or higher
• Interest in mathematical modeling
• Calculus, basic differential equations
• General linear model
• Experience with Mathematica and/or MatLab
• Students from other departments are welcome