About the UNE Behavior Core
The Behavior Core provides a comprehensive approach to the research needs of the Center for Pain Research investigators, UNE researchers, and the external research community using the highest level of expertise, training, and instrumentation. The core provides in-house validation of cutting-edge models of pain and relevant co-morbidities to advance the pain field and early-stage drug discovery.
Emily Walsh ’24
Undergraduate Research Experience in the Behavior Core
I began working with the Behavior Core [at UNE] in Spring 2023. I am working on a cancer pain research project with guidance from Dr. Tamara King. [The experience] is great as I am interested in chronic pain, especially the field of oncology.
[My research] looks into how bone cancer metastases often cause periods of chronic breakthrough pain. In human patients, this pain is treated with opioid medication, but has proven to be ineffective. I have been culturing a line of Lewis lung carcinoma cells and then injecting them into the femurs of mice.
Working with the Behavior Core staff has been one of the most rewarding and stress-free tasks I have engaged in at the University. The welcoming environment allowed me to feel comfortable asking questions and asking for help when needed. The Behavior Core focuses on fostering a positive learning environment where students can explore their personal interests and engage in meaningful research.
During my time in the LMA space, I have observed some amazing findings with my cancer mice. These findings have motivated me to pursue cancer research throughout my medical school journey. Because the Behavior Core [at UNE] provides these spaces, I have been able to advance my knowledge of breakthrough pain and I have been able to excel in critical analysis and reasoning.
Kahn Summer Research Fellowship
I found out about the Kahn Summer Research Fellowship program at UNE and decided to put together a proposal to help support my research.
After receiving the fellowship for Summer 2023, I have had further training [with the mice] on handling, injections, how to conduct surgery, as well as the locomotor assay (LMA) and the weight-bearing test. Without [this fellowship] and Behavior Core, I would not have been able to make so much progress on my research project this summer. Not only do I feel confident in my own abilities, but I feel as though I am now well equipped to teach my peers the same things that the Behavior Core has taught me.
The Behavior Core focuses on fostering a positive learning environment where students can explore their personal interests and engage in meaningful research.
Contact
If you have any questions, please email us at behaviorcore@une.edu.
Meet our Faculty and Professional Staff
Location
Our office and laboratories are in Stella Maris Hall with a satellite behavior testing room in the Pickus Center for Biomedical Research.
