Daniel J. Denis - Psychology Department - The University of Montana

The Department of Psychology at the University of Montana is pleased to present Colloquia featuring students and faculty. Colloquia provide a medium for members of the Department to learn of the scholarly contributions and achievements of both students and faculty. Further, the Colloquia provide students with a unique opportunity to practice and prepare for future conference presentations and "job talks" in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Speakers are recruited primarily from the Department of Psychology at the University of Montana. Occasionally, we will also invite and host presentations by speakers external to the Department.

Colloquia are held throughout the Autumn and Spring sessions. Presentations are usually on Tuesdays, beginning at 4:10pm and lasting no later than 5:00pm. Occasionally, the Department will also host a "lunchtime talk" as well.

The colloquia are organized by Daniel J. Denis. Please contact daniel.denis@umontana.edu for speaker recruitment, bookings, as well as general comments and suggestions regarding the Colloquia.

24 November - Casey Ruggiero, University of Montana
Title: "Explanatory Models of Depression: Influences on Self-Efficacy, Self-Stigma, Causal Beliefs & Treatment Preference."
4:10pm, CLAP Building, Room 131.

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is composed of two receptor subtypes (CB1 and CB2) in the central nervous system, as well as several known endogenous ligands. The cannabinoid receptors are likely one of the most abundant G protein receptors in the brain. Several converging lines of evidence support a role of the eCB system in the modulation of learning, memory, and anxiety-like behaviors. The purpose of this research is to explore the role of the eCB system in age-related cognitive processes and anxiety-like behaviors. The current design employs the use of genetically modified mice lacking the CB1 receptor (CB1-/-) to determine if age-dependent differences exist in a variety of behavioral paradigms, including the Morris Water Maze (MWM), Light-Dark Box (LDB), and Open-Field tasks. Our findings demonstrate differences between wildtype (CB1+/+) and CB1-/- mice in their ability to acquire a MWM spatial learning task, regardless of age. Furthermore, our data does not support the notion that CB1-/- mice perseverate to the previously learned platform location during reversal learning, thus contradicting previous evidence. With respect to anxiety-like behaviors within the LDB, the time spent in the lit compartment was significantly decreased in young, mature, and old CB1-/- mice relative to age-matched controls, and the mature and old CB1-/- mice made fewer crossings into the lit region. Age-dependent differences were not observed in the Open-Field task, which suggests that the observed differences in both the MWM and LDB may be related to an enhanced anxiety response rather than pure cognitive impairment. Electrophysiological studies are currently underway in order to elucidate further the role of the eCB system in age-dependent learning and anxiety-like behaviors. This study has important implications for neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

22 September - Richard F. Catalano, Ph.D., University of Washington
"Using Prevention Science Research to Promote Community Well-Being" (hosted by Department of Sociology)
3:00pm, Social Sciences Building, Room 262.

Dr. Catalano is the Bartley Dobb Professor for the Study and Prevention of Violence and Director of the Social Development Research Group in the School of Social Work at the University of Washington. His work has focused on discovering risk and protective factors, designing and evaluating programs to address these factors, and using research to improve prevention services. His researched-based prevention strategies have been implemented and tested in communities across the U.S. and are currently being used in the Missoula area. He is the recipient of accolades and awards from criminologists, prevention scientists, and practitioners.

Dr. Catalano will talk briefly about the work of the Social Development Research Group but spend most of the time answering questions. All are welcome but his presentation is aimed primarily at faculty, graduate students, researchers, and upper division undergraduate students.

Dr. Catalanos visit is sponsored by the Department of Sociology and the Social Science Research Lab. For further information, contact Professor Dan Doyle at 243-5912 or dan.doyle@umontana. See the Social Development Research Group website at https://www.uwsrd.org/sdrg/.

15 September - Kelly Kozslowski, M.S., Texas A & M University
"Moving Forward with School Counselors" (hosted by Department of Counselor Education, University of Montana)
3:45pm - 5:00pm, Gallagher Business Building Room L14