Leslie A. Sandusky
99 Winthrop Avenue Apt C Albany, NY 12203
509-531-1212
EDUCATION
State University of New York at Albany
Program: Ph. D. in Biopsychology
Estimated Graduation: 2013
Washington State University at Tri-Cities
Full-TimeNon-matriculated student taking Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology courses
August 2008-May 2009
The College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York
Program: Psychology/Clinical Counseling
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Awarded: May 2008
Overall GPA: 3.7
Psychology GPA: 3.7
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
August 2009 –McNay Research Lab
PresentState University of New York at Albany
Supervisor: Ewan McNay, Ph.D.
Currently investigating the role of zinc homeostasis and the Insulin Regulated Aminopeptidase (IRAP) in memory enhancement in a Type II Diabetic animal model. Design experiments, perform surgeries, analyze microdialysis and blood samples, and review literature in my field daily. Upcoming summer project with mentor Dr. Robert W. Flint on the neurochemical changes involved in memory consolidation and reconsolidation.
August 2007 – Directed Research
May 2008The College of Saint Rose
Supervisor: Robert Flint, Ph.D.
Conducted research in the area of restraint and predator stress on rats. Comparing the effects of restraint stress and predator stress on elevated plus maze performance. Participated in weekly meetings that consist of idea development, methodology, statistical analyses, and subject assessment and treatment.
August 2007 – Senior Seminar
May 2008The College of Saint Rose
Supervisor: Nancy Dorr, Ph.D.
Conducted research in the area of the reconsolidation process of traumatic memories involved with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Process included an experimental research project in which rats were induced into a PTSD state then administered a protein-synthesis inhibitor in attempt to alleviate anxiety symptoms by interfering with the previously stored traumatic memory.
January 2007 – Research Methods
May 2007 The College of Saint Rose
Supervisor: Nancy Dorr, Ph.D.
Conducted research in the area of anxiety and depression as it related to athletes and exercise. Came up with an original research design and experienced completing a research project from start to finish. Implemented the study through a series of questionnaires administered to participants and analyzed the data through SPSS.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
August 2009-Graduate Teaching Assistant
May 2010Supervisor: Bruce Svare, Ph.D.
Assisted Dr. Bruce Svare in four semester courses of Introduction to Psychology and two semester courses of Biopsychology & Behavioral Neuroscience. Administered pop quizzes and exams, graded research papers and take-home essay finals. Mentored students through the process of writing an APA style research paper.
WORK EXPERIENCE
May 2009-Biological Intern
August 2009FLUOR Corporation (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
GPS tagged and tracked radioactive rabbits on private government sites, as well as assessed radioactive vegetative concerns.
August 2005-Research Assistant, Behavioral and Neuroscience
May 2008Laboratory
The College of Saint Rose
Assisted onstudies concerning Korsakoff’s Syndrome and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder using animal models and drug testing. Administered injections, operated computer-tracking systems for data collection, and handled/cared for animals.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
2006Coaching Blackwatch Soccer Association, NY State
Member of several coaches who put on practices for the U-17 girls soccer team
2008Volunteer at Albany Medical Center
Interacted with young children and their families in the Children’s ICU receiving chemotherapy and radiation
AWARDS AND HONORS
2008Graduated Cum Laude, The College of Saint Rose
2008Regional Research Award, Psi Chi, Eastern Psychological Association Conference
2005-2008Psi Chi, Psychology Honors Society, The College of Saint Rose
2004-2005 Dean’s List, The College of Saint Rose
2007-2008Dean’s List, The College of Saint Rose
2004-2008 NE-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Dobrowolski, M., Hickey, J. E., Hill, J., Sandusky, L. A., Marino, C. L., & Flint, R. W., Jr. (2008, March). Pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficient animal model of Korsakoff’s syndrome: Effects on anxiety and the impact of D-glucose on environmental habituation and spatial working memory. Poster presented at the 79th annual Eastern Psychological Association meeting, Boston, MA.
Hill, J. E., Sandusky, L., & Flint, R. W., Jr. (2007, March). Neonatal protein synthesis inhibition II: Assessment of object recognition memory, locomotor activity, open field activity, and environmental habituation in adulthood. Poster presented at the 78th annual Eastern Psychological Association meeting, Philadelphia, PA.
Sandusky, L., Hill, J. E., & Flint, R. W., Jr., (2007, March). Acute protein synthesis inhibition at gestational day 15 decreases locomotor activity and elevates anxiety in 32-day-old male and female Long-Evans rats. Poster presented at the 78th annual Easter Psychological Association meeting, Philadelphia, PA.
Sandusky, L., & Flint, R. W., Jr. (2008, March). Reconsolidation of a traumatic memory: The effects of cycloheximide on anxiety in an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Poster presented at the 79th annual Eastern Psychological Association meeting, Boston, MA.
Sandusky, L. A., Hill, J. E., Zirbes, M. J., Marino, C. L., Joppich, H., Valentine, S., & Flint, R. W., Jr. (2007, April). Protein Synthesis Inhibition with Systemic Cycloheximide at Postnatal Day 12 Attenuates Neophobia and Enhances Long-Term Spatial Memory. Poster presented at the 11th annual Northeast Under/Graduate Research Organization for Neuroscience and the 35th annual Hunter College Psychology conference, New York City, NY.
Sandusky, L. A., Hill, J. E., Zirbes, M. J., Marino, C. L., Joppich, H., Valentine, S., & Flint, R. W., Jr. (2007, April). Protein Synthesis Inhibition with Systemic Cycloheximide at Postnatal Day 12 Attenuates Neophobia and Enhances Long-Term Spatial Memory.Poster presented at the 78th annualEastern Psychological Association conference in Philadelphia, PA.
PUBLICATIONS
Flint, R. W., Jr., Hill, J. E., Sandusky, L. A., & Marino, C. L. (2007). Use of the pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficient animal model of Korsakoff’s syndrome for exploratory research activities in undergraduate physiological psychology. The Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education, 5(2), A35-A41.
Flint, R. W., Jr., Joppich, H., Marino, C. L., Sandusky, L. A., Valentine, S., & Hill, J. E. (2007). Ascertaining the long-term effects of acute systemic neonatal protein synthesis inhibition on cognition and behavior in Sprague-Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus). Proteomics Research Journal.(Cross published as a chapter in Biological Psychology: Advances in research.)
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Saint Rose Women’s Soccer, The College of Saint Rose, 2004-2008
President of Psi Chi, Psychology Honors Society, The College of Saint Rose, 2007
REFERENCES
Available upon request
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