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?
Commitment:
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?
Commitment:
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.