EXCEED THE SPACE PROVIDED. The goal of our training program is to provide broad and comprehensive training in the study of brain and behavior that surpasses what any individual trainee would obtain in a single laboratory. The interactions between trainees and preceptors makes the scientific experience more enjoyable and creates collaborative interactions and learning experiences for the trainees that go beyond what any oneindividual or laboratory can provide. The past history of our training grant has provided a basis for collaboration and cooperation that will be further enhanced in this application.Six laboratories at The Rockefeller University are involved in this training program, together with faculty members within these laboratories. Key components of the plan involve introducing trainees systematically to what our 6 laboratories have to offer, leading to the facilitation of collaborations and learning of new skills. The 6 lab heads act as a steering committee for the selection of trainees and assessment of progress, as well as meeting with the trainees on a regular basis to discuss science and deal with the needs of the trainees. To supplement laboratory experiences we intend to supplement the trainee's prior experience through courses and tutorials, and to facilitate development of 'survival skills', involving written and oral presentation, that will enable the trainee to function better as an independent scientist. The scientific aim of this training program is to provide interdisciplinary postdoctoral training and research experience on the basic biological and psychological determinants of a variety of behavioral processes. A central focus of this program is understanding the ways in which the environment interacts with the genetic constitution and modifies the structure and function of the brain through chemical messengers such as hormones, neurotransmitters and drugs. Behavioral processes include seasonal and cyclical behaviors related to reproductionand defense of territory (including and especially bird song) ; motivational states; the impact of stress on the brain; fundamental processes underlying learning and memory; and abnormal states such as schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, depressive illness and Alzheimer's disease. The training program is particularly important in providing trainees with a broad and rich learning experience, helping to prepare them for an independent career. Our proposed training program is a continuation of an ongoing program which is in its 21 year. PERFORMANCE SITE ========================================Section End===========================================
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