Amanda Crocker
Associate Professor of Neuroscience
- Office
- McCardell Bicen Hall 353
- Tel
- (802) 443-3638
- acrocker@middlebury.edu
- Office Hours
- Office hours: Tuesday 4:30-5:30pm, Wednesday 10-11am, Friday 11-12
Amanda Crocker is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Middlebury College. She arrived at Middlebury in 2015 after working as a postdoctoral fellow at Princeton University in Dr. Mala Murthy’s Lab. Amanda received her Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania under the guidance of Dr. Amita Sehgal. Amanda received both a B.S. in Neuroscience and a B.A. in Psychology from Brandeis University.
The Crocker Lab focuses on understanding the molecular underpinnings of complex behavior. The lab is specifically interested in understanding the physical changes that occur in the brain following different types of physically painful stimuli. Physically painful memories are very often the hardest to forget for many organisms. We use the fruit fly to understand what happens at a molecular level when a painful memory is formed, and to understand how the brain interprets different types of painful stimuli.
The lab is also interested in the role that genes play in the diversity of responses to painful stimuli. Pain induced by mechanical stress is one modality that the lab has become very interested in because of its close ties to concussions and traumatic brain injury.
Courses Taught
MBBC 0500
Current
Independent Research
Course Description
Independent Research
This course is for non-seniors wishing to conduct independent research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Additional requirements include attendance at all MBBC-sponsored seminars and seminars sponsored by the faculty mentor’s department, and participation in any scheduled meetings and disciplinary sub-groups and lab groups. (Approval required).
Terms Taught
MBBC 0700
Current
Upcoming
Senior Independent Research
Course Description
Senior Independent Research
Seniors conducting independent research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry under the guidance of a faculty mentor should register for MBBC 0700 unless they are completing a thesis project (in which case they should register for MBBC 0701). Additional requirements include attendance at all MBBC-sponsored seminars and seminars sponsored by the faculty mentor’s department, and participation in any scheduled meetings and disciplinary sub-groups and lab groups. (Approval required).
Terms Taught
MBBC 0701
Current
Upcoming
Senior Thesis
Course Description
Senior Thesis
This course is for seniors completing independent thesis research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry that was initiated in BIOL 0500, CHEM 0400, MBBC 0500, or MBBC 0700. Students will attend weekly meetings with their designated research group and engage in one-on-one meetings with their research mentor to foster understanding in their specialized research area. Students will also practice the stylistic and technical aspects of scientific writing needed to write their thesis. (BIOL 0500, CHEM 0400, MBBC 0500, MBBC 0700) (Approval required).
Terms Taught
NSCI 0235
Current
Mighty-chondria
Course Description
The Mighty Mitochondria
What are mitochondria and why are they so important to our understanding of many neurological diseases? In this course, we will explore what mitochondria are and their role in different cells and specifically in the cells of the brain. Mitochondria are thought to be the cell’s powerhouse, but they are not found in all cells. Furthermore, their dysregulation, either through genetic mutations or environmental factors, leads to profound consequences for human health. Topics to be covered are the structure and function of mitochondria, cell death, oxidative stress, aging, neurological diseases, and rare genetic diseases. (BIOL 0145; not open to first-year students; open to neuroscience majors and biology majors; others by waiver). 3hrs lecture.
Terms Taught
Requirements
NSCI 0251
Current
Cellular/MolecularNeuroscience
Course Description
Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Neurons are the building blocks of complex circuits that underlie perception and behavior. In this course we will examine the molecular and cellular basis of neuron structure and function. The topics include the molecular and cellular basis of action potential propagation, the molecular biology of synaptic transmission, the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, and the molecular mechanisms of sensory transduction. Laboratory exercises will train students in commonly used neurobiology techniques and engage students in novel investigations. (BIOL 0145 (Note: AP credit in biology cannot be used to satisfy this requirement) Open to neuroscience majors, nonmajors by waiver; Not open to seniors). 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab.
Terms Taught
Requirements
NSCI 0410
Neural Coding
Course Description
Neural Coding: Visualizing How the Brain Computes
How does the brain go from an electrical signal to recognizing friends? In this course we will learn to use MATLAB to explore visually how the brain uses electrical signals to compute information. By using MATLAB as the frame for the class, students will gain skills in using a fundamental tool in neuroscience. In addition, through the use of introductory lectures, readings, in class programming activities, and discussion, students will deepen their understanding of how sensory information is encoded and then decoded. No experience using MATLAB necessary. (NSCI 0251 and NSCI 252;
Terms Taught
Requirements
NSCI 0425
The Dynamic Brain
Course Description
The Dynamic Brain
From its structural organization, to changes in neuronal connectivity associated with learning, to transient modulation associated with cognitive processes like attention and emotion, the brain relies on multiple processes to generate dynamic patterns of brain activity. These brain activity patterns, in turn, form the basis for diverse brain functions and even our conscious experience. In this course, through background lectures and class discussion of primary scientific literature, we will explore the underpinnings of dynamic brain activity and work towards developing an overall model of how the brain functions. (PSYC 0226 or PSYC 0303 or NSCI 0251; open to junior/senior psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
Requirements
NSCI 0500
Current
Upcoming
Independent Research
Course Description
Independent Research
Students enrolled in NSCI 0500 complete individual research projects involving laboratory or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and approved in advance by a NSCI faculty advisor. This course is not open to seniors; seniors should enroll in NSCI 0700. (Approval required)
Terms Taught
NSCI 0700
Current
Upcoming
Senior Research
Course Description
Senior Research
This course is for senior NSCI majors who plan to conduct one or more semesters of independent research, or who plan to complete preparatory work toward a senior thesis, such as researching and writing a thesis proposal as well as, if appropriate, collecting data that will form the basis for a senior thesis. Senior NSCI majors who plan to complete a senior thesis should register initially for NSCI 0700. Additional requirements may include participation in weekly meetings with advisors and/or lab groups and attending neuroscience seminars. (Approval required, open to seniors only)
Terms Taught
NSCI 0701
Current
Upcoming
Senior Thesis
Course Description
Senior Thesis
Senior NSCI majors who have completed one or more terms of NSCI 0700, who have a GPA of 3.3 in their major courses, and who plan to complete a senior thesis should register for NSCI 0701 for the final semester of the senior thesis process. Students enrolled in NSCI 0701 write a thesis, give a public presentation of their research, and present an oral defense of the thesis before a committee of at least two Neuroscience faculty members. Faculty may recommend High honors in Neuroscience after considering the quality of these components of a student’s thesis and the student’s GPA in major courses. Additional requirements may include participation in weekly meetings with advisors and/or lab groups and attending neuroscience seminars. (NSCI 0700, Approval required)
Terms Taught
NSCI 1270
Molecular Neurogenetics
Course Description
Molecular Neurogenetics: A Techniques Lab
How do we study the molecular properties of neurons in the laboratory? Have you ever wondered what it is like to work in a molecular neuroscience lab? In this course, we take a deep dive into the techniques widely used to molecularly identify neurons, such as immunostaining and single-cell sequencing. We will learn how to genotype animals and then explore methods in protein expression analysis. In this class, we will also explore how bioinformatics is shaping our current understanding of the brain and the cells within it. Utilizing the consecutive course periods of the winter term, students will have the unique opportunity to design, perform, and analyze experiments featuring modern cellular and molecular neuroscience techniques. (BIO 0145, Open to NSCI majors and others by waiver, Seniors by waiver)
Terms Taught
Requirements