Centre for Neuroscience Studies Weekly Memo March NEUROSCIENCE SEMINARS

Centre for Neuroscience Studies Weekly Memo March 11th, 2009 NEUROSCIENCE SEMINARS CENTRE FOR NEUROSCIENCE PRESENTS Dr. Greg DeAngelis Professor, Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Center for Navigation & Communication Sciences, and Center for Visual Science University of Rochester Title: "Multisensory Integration for Self-Motion Perception" Date: Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 Time: 4:00pm Location: Botterell Hall, Room B143 Abstract: Interacting effectively with our surroundings requires that we be able to judge our self-motion and compute the motion of objects relative to ourselves. Visual motion (optic flow) and vestibular signals provide powerful sources of information about self-motion. In this talk, I will describe a series of experiments aimed at understanding how neurons combine visual and vestibular inputs to mediate perceptual cue integration. I will demonstrate that trained macaques perceptually integrate visual and vestibular cues near optimally, and that a specific population of neurons in cortical area MSTd appears well suited to serve as a neural substrate for this multisensory integration. I will then describe the mathematical rules by which MSTd neurons combine visual and vestibular inputs, and will examine how this combination rule changes with the reliability of the sensory cues. These findings suggest a potentially unifying model for multisensory integration. NEUROSCIENCE ROUNDS Kidd 7 Conference room 9:30 None posted. SEMINARS PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY SEMINAR Presents Anne Sutherland M.Sc. Candidate Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology Queen’s University TOPIC: In Vivo Hetero-Oligomerization of the Mu and Delta Opioid Receptors in Neuropathic Pain States DATE: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 TIME: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. PLACE: Botterell Hall, Conference Room 920 Psychology Proseminar Series Cognitive Structure as a Vulnerability Factor for Depression: Sensitivity, Specificity, Stability and Modifiability via Cognitive Therapy David J. A. Dozois, Ph.D. University of Western Ontario Friday, March 13 at 2:30 p.m. Biosciences Room 1102 ABSTRACT Three primary levels of cognition are emphasized in Becks theory of depression: Cognitive products (e.g., negative automatic thoughts, dysfunctional attitudes), processes (e.g., attention and memory biases) and structures (i.e., well-organized and interconnected internal representations of self). In this presentation, a program of research is described showing that negative cognitive structures show sensitivity and specificity to depression. The interaction of cognitive structure and negative life events also appears to predict future depression. Although the products and processes associated with depression appear to fluctuate with concurrent mood (i.e., this negative thinking improves when an individual remits from an episode), the organization of negative interpersonal content related to self appears to be temporally stable. Given that cognitive therapy (CT) is highly effective for treating the acute phase of a depressive episode, and that this treatment also reduces the risk of relapse and recurrence, it is possible that CT may alter this stable vulnerability factor. Some data will be presented that supports this idea. The implications of these results for understanding mechanisms of change in therapy and the prophylactic nature of cognitive therapy will be discussed. Friday Fights – March 2009 Place: Botterell Hall, Ettinger Room (#246) Time: 3:00-4:00pm • • • Mar 13: Ian Cameron - Magnetic Field Effect on the Brain (Methods / Journal Club) Mar 20: Isaac Kurtzer - Tell me about your body: a brief review of proprioceptive abilities (Methods) Mar 27: Chase Figley - Elucidating the SEEP impulse response function in the human spinal cord (Topic) NEUROETHOLOGY AND SENSORY BIOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP Monday, March 16, 2009. The speaker will be a special guest, Dr. James Kennedy, and his talk is entitled: Using Neurobiology to Drive Molecular Genetic Discoveries in Psychiatric Disorders. Dr. Kennedy is the Head of the Neurogenetics Section and Director of the Neuroscience Research Department at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), as well as the Head of the Psychiatric Neurogenetics Section at the University of Toronto. Once again the talk will be in Rm. 3110 of the Biosciences Complex at 12:30 - 1:30. If anyone would like to be put on the list serve for this discussion group please email Stuart McGregor at 3sm29@queensu.ca. THE ANNUAL LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH POSTER DAY will be held on Wednesday, March 25th, 2009 in the Biosciences Atrium from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend. AWARDS Elderhostel is accepting applications for the Elderhostel K. Patricia Cross Doctoral Research Grant. This grant is open to U.S. and international students whose doctoral research focuses on lifelong and/or later-life learning. Please pass on the information below to anyone who would be interested in applying for this $5,000 grant, or anyone who may know someone interested in applying. We envision that graduate students, faculty, department chairs and deans researching activities regarding older adults and later-life learning may want to know about this grant. Elderhostel K. Patricia Cross Doctoral Research Grant Elderhostel invites applications from doctoral candidates researching lifelong or later-life learning for the Elderhostel K. Patricia Cross Doctoral Research Grant. This $5,000 grant is awarded annually to a student in various disciplines including, but not limited to, psychology, education, gerontology, cognitive studies, neuroscience, leisure studies, aging and social work. Because the selection committee requires an abstract and description of your current research, you must already be engaged in your dissertation research. International graduate students welcome to apply. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2009. The Elderhostel K. Patricia Cross Doctoral Research Grant recipient will be determined by a selection committee consisting of professors, practitioners and other leaders in the field of lifelong learning. The recipient will be announced in June 2009. For further information, including requirements and the online application, please visit: www.elderhostel.org/grants. Elderhostel, founded in 1975, is a not-for-profit organization providing educational opportunities through travel for older adults across the United States and in 90 countries around the world. The Elderhostel K. Patricia Cross Doctoral Research Grant was created to support future leaders in the field of lifelong learning. Should you have any questions about the Elderhostel K. Patricia Cross Doctoral Grant, please email grants@elderhostel.org. School of Graduate Studies and Research The School of Graduate Studies is seeking nominations for the 2009 Awards for Excellence in Graduate Supervision. A description of the award, the adjudication process and a nomination form is attached. Please distribute this information to your graduate students and faculty members. The deadline for receipt of complete nomination packages is Friday, May 1st, 2009. For more information on the nomination process please contact Lucy Russo-Smith at russol@queensu.ca GRADUATE NOTICES Applications are invited for 1-2 postdoctoral positions in laboratory of Dr. Scott H. Frey, Lewis Center for Neuroimaging & Psychology Department at the University of Oregon. Projects are concerned with the: 1) neural bases of manual actions and tool use, and 2) factors influencing multi-sensory and motor plasticity following limb amputation or hemiparesis. Primary techniques include functional and structural MRI (research-dedicated 3T), MRI-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), kinematics and psychophysics. Applicants must have a Ph.D./M.D. in a relevant discipline and a strong interest in this area. Previous neuroimaging and/or TMS experience, basic familiarity with programming and unix/linux/OSx are necessary. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by April 1, 2009. Earliest possible start date is May 15, 2009. Please send a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three professional references to shfrey@uoregon.edu. Scott H. Frey, Ph.D., Director, Lewis Center for Neuroimaging, 5288 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-5288. The University of Oregon is an EO/AA/ADA institution committed to cultural diversity. Candidates who promote and enhance diversity are strongly desired. Career Services has a new and improved website and job posting system, MyCareer! Check out the new features and helpful job search information at careers.queensu.ca. Tuesday March 10 • Resumes and Cover Letters 101 - 10:30 • International Alumni Working in North America (for Int. Graduate Students) - 12:00 (QUIC, 2nd Floor JDUC) • Thinking About Medical School - 2:30 • Info-Tech - 2:30 (Goodes Hall, Rm 352) • Top Job Search Strategies: For Academia and Beyond- 5:30 • Interview Tips - 7:00 (Stauffer, Rm 121) Wednesday March 11 • Medical School Interviews - 12:30 • Resumes and Cover Letters 101 - 7:00 (Stauffer, Rm 121) Thursday March 12 • Thinking About Law School - 2:30 PROJECT QUEST - CALL FOR PROPOSALS Call for Proposals: Deadline: March 24, 2009. About Project Quest Project Quest is an opportunity for Queen's faculty who wish to explore, develop, and integrate new technologies to enhance active learning in the classroom and beyond. Your Quest is comprised of a workshop -- (one day/week over six weeks) with demonstrations and the opportunities to work with colleagues in small groups -- and participation in a fall showcase. The goal is to implement your project in one of your classes and share your work with colleagues through publication of your project. The choice of publication is optional, but might include the Queens Gazette, journal, conference, or the web, etc. Five teams, consisting of one faculty member and one graduate student, will be selected to participate in the design and development of instructional materials and student learning activities. Project Quest Proposals can include, but are not limited to, use of the following technologies and learning activities: teaching with clickers, podcasting, lecture capture, video journals, eportfolios, multimedia, digital ethnography, social networking, etc. For assistance developing your proposal please contact Bobbi Kerlin kerlinb@QUEENSU.CA. 2008-2009 ELLEN O'ROURKE MERRIN AWARD DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009 TERMS AND CONDITIONS Established by friends and family in honour of Ellen O'Rourke Merrin, B.A. '39. Awarded on the basis of academic merit to a full-time graduate student in any discipline with appropriate research interest in any aspect of family planning. Application must be made to the School of Graduate Studies and Research by March 13, 2009. Value $1,300.00. ELIGIBILITY Nominees must be currently enrolled in a graduate program, and in years 1-2 of a Master's program, or years 1-4 of a doctoral program. PROCEDURE Departments may send a written statement of nomination to the attention of the Director, Admissions and Student Services, School of Graduate Studies, by the deadline of March 13, 2009. The statement should briefly summarize the nominee's academic record, and explain the nominee's research project or thesis to demonstrate how the research matches the above terms. An ad hoc committee of the Fellowship Committee of the School of Graduate Studies will review the nominations and adjudicate the competition. The School of Graduate Studies will inform the recipient in writing. Graduate News & Events Friday, 6th March, 2009 DID YOU KNOW! HOW TO BOOK A COUNSELLING APPOINTMENT WITH CAREER SERVICES Appointments are only available up to 7 days in advance. New Appointments become available each day between 8:30-4:30 as counselors release them. This is the way it works. • • • • • Monday new appointments released for following Monday Tuesday new appointments released for following Tuesday Wednesday new appointments released for Wednesday Thursday new appointments released for following Thursday Friday new appointments released for following Friday Students can also cancel appointments Online so you may check periodically to see if a space has opened up. 1. go into http://careers.queensu.ca, 2. click Login to myCareer (right hand side under the Queens logo) 3. click LOGIN TO MyCAREER on the right 4. select Student under user type 5. enter your qlink ID and Password to sign on **you can also find job postings or register for events and workshops in this same area** 6. on the left hand side, click Book Appointment in the light gray box to book a 45 min counseling appt, a 15 min quick chat, or peer educator resume review. 7. choose the appointment type of your choice. All of the available time slots will appear on the screen. *These appointments are in high demand so it is possible that no appointments will be available at that time Still having trouble? Call Carissa - 613-533-2992 QUIC INTERNATIONAL PHOTO CONTEST GALA EXHIBITION! Join the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC) in celebrating and showcasing our contest's winning photos! * The Gala Exhibition is open to everyone! * Enjoy tapas and desserts while perusing the photos * Participate in the "People's Choice" Award and vote for YOUR favourite photo * All submissions will be displayed and presented in our multi-media format Thursday March 12 4-7pm @ QUIC, 2nd Floor JDUC Please contact Rowena Selby at Rowena.Selby@queensu.ca if you have any questions. 2009 AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN GRADUATE STUDENT SUPERVISION The purpose of this award is to recognize those outstanding supervisors who demonstrate excellence in advising, monitoring and mentoring graduate students through their training. Excellence is judged on the quality of supervision and mentorship in facilitating the acquisition of skills and resources needed for the student to succeed as scholars and professionals. Characteristics include availability, timeliness and quality of guidance and feedback, responsiveness to student needs, and enthusiasm for the pursuit of knowledge. In addition the supervisor must promote timely completion of the thesis and encourage the career development of the student through the provision of leadership and support in academic matters such as publishing, presenting, applying for funding. Preference will be given to faculty members who have displayed sustained mentorship activity over many years. For full details on how to nominate your supervisor go to our news section of our website at: http://www.queensu.ca/sgs/news/Gradsupervison.html NEXT WEEKS EXPANDING HORIZONS WORKSHOPS NB: For all workshops: if registration numbers are too low for any workshop it may be cancelled. If so notification will go out to all those who had registered and they will be advised if another date has been set. Tuesday March 10, 2009 Part of the series on North American Job Search for international students in graduate and professional school hosted by Career Services & QUIC. Topic: International Alumni working in N. America: Case Examples Find out what international alumni have to say about working in North America including their experiences with job search and tips to consider as you prepare for the workplace. Time: 12:00 1:00 pm Location: QUIC, 2nd Floor, JDUC Presenter: Susan Anderson Limited enrolment: 25 Sign-up through Career Services Website http://careers.queensu.ca on myCareer Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Career Services Topic: Top Job Search StrategiesFor Academia and Beyond Learn techniques that minimize the time and maximize the results of "after graduation" work search. We'll teach you effective methods for finding academic positions and for reaching beyond the university to industry, corporations, government and more. Youll discover what you need to know, what to do, where to look and who to contact, as well as how to schedule your search, optimize references and establish effective networks. Time: 5:30 7:00 pm Location: Gordon Hall, Career Services, 325A Presenter: Jane Good, Career Services Limited Enrollment: 35 Please register through Career Services website http://careers.queensu.ca on myCareer. Wednesday, March 11, 2009 Teaching and Learning Development Centre for Teaching and Learning Topic: Fielding Questions Many TAs are called upon to answer questions before a group. Whether in a lab or tutorial situation, fielding questions is a skill that can be improved! Ron Harrap and David Noonan will use exercises to encourage you to think about your own questioning style, and examine methods for dealing with questions in ways that engage the entire classroom. Also considered will be how to deal with disruptive questions in a constructive manner. Time: 4:00 5:30 pm Location: B176 Macintosh Corry Hall, Seminar Room Presented by Rob Harrap (Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering) and David Noonan (Golder Associates) Please register through the Centre for Teaching and Learning website OTHER WATER SHUTDOWN Please Note: On Wednesday March 11, 2009 at 06:00hr's until 08:00 hrs the water in Botterell Hall will be shutdown. This shutdown is due to the water meter needing to be replaced. I would advise all staff to please insure that any equipment requiring water to function, to have this equipment turned off prior to the shutdown. If you have any concerns about this shutdown, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you. Kevin P. McKegney Family Programs Build Your Own Landscape Wednesday 18 March, 1:30 3:30 pm Thursday 19 March, 1:30 3:30 pm Get creative in March Break! Our exhibition Inhabited Landscape: Selections from the Canadian Historical Collection will inspire you to build your own landscape from a variety of materials. Please bring a corrugated cardboard box, with a base about 30 x 30 cm, for each child. Suitable for children 6+, with adult accompaniment. Space is limited so please call 613.533.2190 to reserve. NOTICE Please be advised that the section of Clergy Street, north of the JDUC, the back alley and parking lot will be used for construction activities (gravel trucks, boom truck and bob cat) on Monday, March 9, 2009 to March 13, 2009. This area will be controlled by traffic personnel from Amherst Roofing from 7am to 7pm due to construction activities. Please have patience with deliveries, parking and access to the alley off of Clergy Street (back of residences) on this day. Furthermore any/all deliveries scheduled for this day should be made aware of the activities in the back alley and traffic sharing this area of the loading dock. At no time will these areas be closed down due to construction activities. Sorry for any inconveniences this may cause you. Should you wish to contact me I can be reached at 613-536-7125 ext 6019 or by cell at 613536-8474. Thank-you for your cooperation in this matter, Mike Mason-Superintendent PCL Constructors