The Janušonis Lab

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

Our research focuses on serotonin in brain developmental and 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, qPCR)
• Protein analysis (Western blotting)
• Genotyping
• Serotonin biochemistry

• Top-down modeling
• Data-driven modeling

Representative Publications

• Slaten et al. (2009)
• Albay et al. (2009)
• Janušonis et al. (2004)

Representative Publications

• Hernandez et al. (in preparation)
• Albay et al. (2009)
• Janušonis et al. (2006)

Representative Publications

• Janušonis (2009b)
• Janušonis (2009a)
• Janušonis (2008)

Undergraduate Research Assistants

• GPA 3.3 or higher
• Sophomores and juniors preferred
• Strong biology background preferred
• Students interested in interdisciplinary research are welcome

Undergraduate Research Assistants

• GPA 3.3 or higher
• Sophomores and juniors preferred
• Strong biology background preferred
• Students interested in interdisciplinary research are welcome

Undergraduate Research Assistants

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