Kaut Research Collaborative
1. Research Animal Euthanasia Practices and Public Perspectives
Project Description:
This is part of an ongoing research project addressing internal procedures for humanely euthanizing research animals, with a focus on developing a further understanding of public and professional attitudes toward these procedures. An interested student would gain background in research ethics at the interface of veterinary medicine, laboratory animal regulations, and survey development. The research project would involve creating a multimedia survey regarding attitudes toward current euthanasia practices, with additional consideration of veterinary medicine recommendations and ethical standards established by the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare. Students with an interest in animal behavior, zoological research, and human/animal behavioral medicine should inquire.
What Would You Learn?
Students will work directly with Dr. Kaut, as well as other researchers and staff involved in the lab animal euthanasia program. Students will gain direct experience in the research animal laboratory facility, The University of Akron Research Vivarium (UARV), while also working with allied personnel in animal research and veterinary medicine. A knowledge of federal laboratory procedures and federal guidelines for animal research will be a focus in this process, along with direct investment in more traditional survey research development. Responsibilities will involve experience in survey organization (Qualtrics), Institutional Review Board (IRB) proposal development, data acquisition, statistical analysis, and preparations for data presentation.
Commitment:
Students will commit approximately 3 hours per week (enrolled in PSYC 497, Independent Reading and Research, for 2 credit hours), which can vary weekly depending on the stage of project progression.
2. Ohio Death Penalty Moratorium Project
Project Description:
This project is a multidisciplinary collaborative bringing together perspectives of psychology and biomedical science toward an understanding of the issues impacting current decisions about capital punishment in Ohio. Current Governor Mike DeWine has imposed a suspension on all executions in Ohio due to legal challenges regarding “cruel and unusual punishment”, and pharmacological questions concerning the efficacy of drug applications in executions. A research student will help develop and implement an experimental approach to evaluating attitudes and agreement with current and possible alternatives to death penalty practices. Students who may have interests in behavioral neuroscience, psychopharmacology, criminal justice, and/or legal studies would be excellent candidates for this opportunity.
What Would You Learn?
Students will work directly with Dr. Kaut in the development of an experimental approach to the question of Ohio death penalty procedures. Students will become familiar with pharmacological, physiological, and logistical details involved in capital punishment. In addition, students will develop specific skills in legal analysis and interpretation of current laws at the state, federal, and constitutional levels. Individual experience in research design, institutional review board (IRB) ethics review, research implementation, and data collection will be primary areas of focus in this experience. Direct involvement in data management, analysis, and preparation for presentation/publication will be emphasized.
Commitment:
Students will commit approximately 3 hours per week (enrolled in PSYC 497, Independent Reading and Research, for 2 credit hours), which can vary weekly depending on the stage of project progression.
3. Organ Transplants: Research, Clinical, and Legal Perspectives
Project Description:
This project is a multidimensional endeavor intended to prepare students interested in various aspects of the organ transplant process. Students will have the opportunity to select a given area of transplant technology (e.g., lung, heart, kidney) and approach the issue through an integrated process involving cadaver dissections and examination, clinical-legal research into the transplant process, and psychological assessment processes associated with transplant decisions. The goal is to provide students with a unique opportunity to investigate a highly complex area and develop research skills and competencies preparing them for advanced studies in medicine, public health, clinical and neuropsychological assessment, and general anatomy. Students will consult with other research professionals and develop a specific research focus emphasizing the integration of psychology and the health sciences.
What Would You Learn?
Students will receive diverse training and background in human anatomy and biomedical issues in organ transplant, while addressing psychological and assessment procedures in the overall transplant donor and recipient evaluation process. Students will develop specific skills in human cadaver analysis which may involve direct contact with, and manipulation of, cadaveric tissues. Comparative laboratory analyses involving animal species (postmortem) will also be included as students develop insights into behavioral medicine research and human translation/application.
Commitment:
Students will be asked to commit approximately 3 hours per week (enrolled in PSYC 497, Independent Reading and Research, for 2 credit hours) , which can vary weekly depending on the stage of project progression.