Psychology students travel to Bucknell for primate research
On Sept. 12, two Waynesburg psychology students traveled to Bucknell University alongside their professor to observe the primate research lab housed at the university’s psychology department.
Planning the visit was a joint effort between Dr. Jenny Jellison, associate professor of psychology at Waynesburg, and Waynesburg alumna Sara Faiad. Faiad is currently enrolled in the master’s program in animal behavior at Bucknell.
“Sara interned with me last year,” said Jellison. “We had an opportunity during the internship to attend an international research conference on animal behavior where we meet with animal behavior specialists, including those from Bucknell.”
In addition to having a connection with Faiad, two other students that attended the conference with Jellison expressed an interest in learning more about animal behavior experiments done at the lab.
Those students were senior psychology major Rachel Hamilla and senior biology major Rachel Narasimhan.
The lab features 20 primates of four different species. The focus of the studies is to measure the cognitive abilities of the monkeys.
“There is so much we don’t know they are capable of and they’re our closest biological relatives,” said Narasimhan.
Much of the time spent in the labs was getting an up-close tour of the enclosures, with Faiad as tour guide. One of the major observations from the tour was the technology used for testing the primates. The lab uses touchscreen computers to complete the testing and compile data.
“The computer screens use a microchip found in the monkey’s shoulder,” said Narasimhan. “The machine then reads the microchip and administers the test.”
Scanning the chip can be done at any time, allowing for the testing to start and stop. This helps to keep the monkeys relaxed while obtaining the required data. After a test is successfully completed, a treat is given, allowing additional data to be collected on the effects of behavioral reinforcement.
“Taking a monkey out of their enclosure and then administering a test can be stressful for the animal and change the results of the experiment,” said Narasimhan. “With the microchip and computer, the testing process is not forceful, does not cloud data and allows for continuous data collection, and that is really innovative.”
Hamilla and Narasimhan were impressed with the high level of care the animals were treated with in the lab setting.
“I saw gorgeous, happy and healthy lab monkeys,” said Narasimhan. “The lab conditions were amazing.”
Both Hamilla and Narasimhan enjoyed the trip and learned a lot. They also would encourage other interested students to take the tour.
“I learned a lot of lessons in learning theory,” said Hamilla. “It’s important to see the lab and town and experience it… Having more of those life perspectives helps the lessons stick, it shows more than reading can.”
After attending the trip and conference, both Hamilla and Narasimhan look to further their educations in animal behavior. Bucknell has become a possible option for both of them.
“It’s a good lab in Pennsylvania, four hours away,” said Hamilla. “You don’t have to travel too far, but it’s a field you can’t find in your backyard.”
Jellison hopes to continue the visits to Bucknell for those with an interest in animal behavior.
Jellison said it would be something unique to talk with prospective students about, since few people know about specializing in animal behavior. Jellison tries to incorporate this specialization into her learning theory class, which is required for all Waynesburg University psychology majors. The class takes a look at how animals learn.
“It’s not a well-known field,” said Narasimhan. “But people always want to work with animals and now you can.”