Sam Lindgren
OUR Ambassador
Major: Neuroscience
Mentor: Dr. Ryan LaLumiere
Biography
I am and undergraduate research assistant in the LaLumiere Laboratory. Currently, my research investigates the neurobiology of drug-seeking behaviors. Specifically, we are interested in the neural mechanisms that regulate opioid seeking. Our laboratory uses a rat model of heroin addiction to explore the interactions between specific brain regions during the promotion or inhibition of heroin seeking. Using electrophysiological techniques, we can record neural activity in and investigate the interactions between the infralimbic cortex, basolateral amygdala, and anterior insular cortex across heroin-seeking behaviors.
As a Neuroscience student, I enjoy working in the LaLumiere Laboratory because it allows me to assist in advancing the field of Neuroscience and to help piece together a map of specific brain regions. I am also able to gain a better understanding of how the brain functions on a micro and macro level. Beyond that, I enjoy working in my lab because my mentors allow me to take a very active role in the research process. Not only is it rewarding to get hands-on research experience, but it is also just fun!
Besides research, I love watching sports, playing video games, and getting outside. During the summer I try to golf as much as I can, while in the winter I love snowboarding and am a member of the University of Iowa Ski and Snowboard Club!
