DeLap's Research Experience Prepares Him for the Future

I became very interested in research through my psychology courses at UB. The courses that piqued my interest the most were Biological Rhythms and Behavior, Drug Addiction and Psychology of Learning. I wanted to experience what doing research was like to decide if I wanted to pursue a career in behavioral neuroscience.  

I found out about joining my current lab by reaching out to the professor I had during my Psychology of Learning course, Gregory Loney, assistant professor in the department. I asked if we could meet to talk about the possibility of joining their lab. After meeting in person, we decided that I could join and see if I would be a good fit.  

My role first starting out was to assist the graduate students with their projects. In Loney’s lab we use rodents to study and understand the neural biological mechanisms that underlie behavior. The main goal of my research is to understand and detect the neural mechanisms through which individuals react to food cues. More specifically, I hope to explain a biological difference between those who have a strong reaction to food cues and those who have a weaker reaction. 

To do so, the lab utilizes various techniques such as Pavlovian conditioned approach, intravenous self-administration and fiber photometry. To be more specific, my role when I first joined was to weigh rats, help set up the paradigm that was being used and assist with surgery. After some time, I was given more responsibility and training to independently run an assigned project. 

The most interesting thing I learned so far would be that while conducting animal research is a lot of work, it is also extremely rewarding and interesting. I haven't had any experience that I enjoyed as much as research. Asking questions, discussing findings and research with my peers and mentors has been an amazing experience that I wouldn't have known about if I didn't join a lab. 

Participating in research as an undergraduate will help me in my goal to start a PhD in behavioral neuroscience. Through undergraduate research, I have been trained on various techniques such as fiber photometry, self-administration, Pavlovian conditioned approach, stereotaxic surgeries and histology. Having a strong background and rich experience with the skills that many graduate students need will assist me in joining a program after I graduate.  

My biggest advice would be to give research a try if you have any ounce of curiosity. To be honest, I did not know psychologists did research during my first two years of college. I was only able to join a lab and get experience through talking to professors and exploring my options. I strongly believe the environment has been very welcoming and understanding to both those who decide to continue with research and those who do not. 

My advice would be to try things outside your comfort zone, explore what UB has to offer and take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you. I strongly believe college is what you make of it. Nothing will be directly handed to you, so I encourage seeking opportunities that interest you.  

Coming from a very small high school and town, I wanted to experience college at a big university. I was attracted to UB’s big campus and dense population of international students. Lastly, the number of diverse majors and classes gave me confidence that I would find a major I love.  

The Department of Psychology faculty and students have been the most special part about UB to me. I don’t think I would have enjoyed these last few years as much if I didn't meet or get to know the people in the department. I feel I have formed long-lasting and rich connections with many people who share similar interests as myself at UB.  

I chose psychology because I was interested in understanding and explaining behavior. The classes I took have provided me with a deeper understanding of this interest. Out of all the other majors, I do not know of one more diverse than psychology. The variety of interests and areas of specialty are what make psychology special and stand out among other disciplines. The thing I like the most is there is still a common goal to understand and explain behavior, even though there is a wide variety of interests.  

I'm someone who didn't always know exactly what I wanted to do with my life. My interests have changed drastically from when I started college to my senior year. I believe that being in the unknown and trying something new is not a bad thing, rather, being unsure is freeing. Not knowing what to do allows the opportunity to explore and decide what would be best for you. 

I love the number of things to do in Buffalo and at UB. I am happy I can still participate and experience my hobbies. For example, I have been able to play recreational adult soccer in West Seneca on weeknights. In addition, I love trying new food and Buffalo has a variety of options for amazing food.