Molly Kent
505 S. Goodwin Ave. room 429, Urbana, IL 61801
(608)217-3838
mhkent2@uiuc.edu

My research interests are focused around the brain of a teleost fish specifically the three-spined stickleback.  The lab is using cutting edge technology to determine the gross, as well as, functional anatomy of the stickleback through manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI).  MEMRI allows us to look at the fish brain directly after an event and determine which areas of the brain were being used.  The technology also allows us to form an anatomical atlas of the stickleback brain, which has not been accomplished yet.  We will also be using standard sectioning and staining methods to corroborate the MEMRI results.

My research interests also include the effects different steroids have on brain development and function.  Using different stress techniques, I will be able to look at the effect predation and resulting hormones have on brain function.  I am also interested in looking at brain functionality after exposure to endocrine disruptors in the stickleback environment.

Education
B. S.                            University of Wisconsin - Madison, 2004.  Major:  Biology emphasis in Neuroscience
Ph.D. Candidate           University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign, Neuroscience Program

Employment

1. lab technician, Antony Stretton Laboratory UW – Madison

            Used the parasite ascaris suum to look for novel neuropeptides and applied those neuropeptides to look for presence in a rodent model
Procedures used: immunocytochemistry, ELISAs, creation of polyclonal antibodies, nematode dissections, peptide extractions