Leslie A. Sandusky EDUCATION

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1 1 Leslie A. Sandusky EDUCATION State University of New York at Albany Program: Ph. D. in Biopsychology Estimated Graduation: 2013 Washington State University at Tri-Cities Full-Time Non-matriculated student taking Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology courses August 2008-May 2009, Albany, New York Program: Psychology/Clinical Counseling Degree: Bachelor of Arts Awarded: Overall GPA: 3.7 Psychology GPA: 3.7 RESEARCH EXPERIENCE August 2009 Present August 2007 McNay Research Lab State 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. Recently completed project with mentor Dr. Robert W. Flint on the neurochemical changes involved in memory consolidation and reconsolidation. Directed Research 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,

2 2 methodology, statistical analyses, and subject assessment and treatment. August 2007 January 2007 May 2007 Senior Seminar 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. Research Methods 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 January 2010 August May 2010 Adjunct Professor 3-credit course on Personality Psychology (PSY400) Graduate Teaching Assistant Supervisor: 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 August 2009 Biological Intern FLUOR Corporation (Lockheed Martin Corporation)

3 3 GPS tagged and tracked radioactive wildlife on US Department of Energy Hanford site in eastern Washington. Assessed radioactive vegetative concerns at Hanford site. August Research Assistant, Behavioral and Neuroscience Laboratory Assisted on studies 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 2008 Volunteer at Albany Medical Center Interacted with young children and their families in the Children s ICU receiving chemotherapy and radiation 2006 Coaching Blackwatch Soccer Association, NY State Member of several coaches who put on practices for the U-17 girls soccer team AWARDS AND HONORS Psi Chi Graduate Research Grant 2008 Graduated Cum Laude, 2008 Regional Research Award, Psi Chi, Eastern Psychological Association Conference Psi Chi, Psychology Honors Society, Dean s List, Dean s List, NE-10 Commissioner s Honor Roll for Student Athletes 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 79 th annual Eastern Psychological Association meeting, Boston, MA.

4 4 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 78 th 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 78 th 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 posttraumatic stress disorder. Poster presented at the 79 th 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-

5 5 Term Spatial Memory. Poster presented at the 78 th annual Eastern 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,, President of Psi Chi, Psychology Honors Society,, 2007