University Research

Location:

Belmar, NJ

Posted:

October 12, 2017

Contact this candidate

Resume:

Gina DiFeo, PhD

** ***** ***** **.

Wall, NJ ****9

732-***-****

*******@*****.***

OBJECTIVE

Highly motivated recent Ph.D. graduate in behavioral and systems neuroscience seeking an entry-level position in scientific research. Expertise in a wide variety of microscopy, histology and behavioral techniques, as well as in experimental design and data analyses. Passionate about learning new scientific skills and laboratory techniques. Enthusiastic team player adept at providing leadership while also learning from fellow team members. Experienced in managing multiple projects simultaneously.

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Psychology; Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience

Rutgers University, 2016

Thesis: Sex differences in physical skill learning with consequences for neurogenesis and cell survival in the hippocampus

Advisor: Tracey J. Shors, Ph.D.

M.S. Experimental Psychology, Concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience

Seton Hall University, 2011

Thesis: Effect of an enriched environment on morphine conditioned place preference in rats

Advisor: Amy Hunter, Ph.D.

B.S. Biology, Magna Cum Laude

Monmouth University, 1999

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY: GRADUATE STUDENT Piscataway, NJ

Advisor: Dr. Tracey J. Shors 2011-2016

Role: Worked on doctoral dissertation related to sex differences in learning, and more specifically, the consequences of these differences on a physical skill-learning task for neurogenesis and cell survival in adult and pubescent rodent hippocampi. Collaborated with lab members in conducting various research projects on learning and the formation of new neurons in the brain. Played an integral role in the development of a novel animal model of sexual trauma in pubescent female rodents.

SETON HALL UNIVERSITY: GRADUATE STUDENT South Orange, NJ

Advisor: Dr. Amy Hunter 2009-2011

Roll: Worked on Master thesis related to addiction and more specifically the effects of an enriched environment on the acquisition, extinction, and reinstatement of a morphine conditioned place preference in rats. During my time in the graduate program I also worked in the Behavioral Neuroscience laboratory, where I assisted in experiments using rodent models in various areas of neuroscience, such as fear conditioning, REM sleep deprivation, and Morris water maze studies.

PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS

DiFeo, G. & Shors, T.J. (2017) Mental and physical skill training increases neurogenesis via cell survival in the adolescent hippocampus. Brain Research. Jan 1;1654(Pt B):95-101

Shors, T.J., Tobon, K., DiFeo, G., Durham, D.M. & Chang, H.Y. (2016) Sexual conspecific aggressive response (SCAR): A model of sexual trauma that disrupts maternal learning and plasticity in the female brain. Scientific Reports. 6:18960

DiFeo, G., Curlik, D.M. 2nd & Shors, T.J. (2015) The motirod: A novel physical skill task that enhances motivation to learn and thereby increases neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Brain Research. Sep 24;1621:187-96

Curlik, D.M. 2nd, DiFeo, G. & Shors, T.J. (2014) Preparing for adulthood: thousands upon thousands of new cells are born in the hippocampus during puberty, and most survive with effortful learning. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 8, 70

REFERENCES

Tracey J. Shors, PhD

Academic Advisor

Professor in the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience Rutgers University

152 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854

Phone: 848-***-****

Email: *****@*******.***

Mark West, PhD

Committee Member

Professor in the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience Rutgers University

152 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854

Phone: 848-***-****