UROP Project

Consequences of prefrontal brain stimulation on impulsivity - A simultaneous tDCS-fMRI study

High impulsivity is often associated with low cognitive control, increased likelihood of substance use, and risky behavior. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique to alter cortical excitability and presents a powerful tool to modulate brain activation associated with cognitive control. This study uses a High Definition version of this Technology (HD-tDCS) to modulate brain areas that are associated with impulsive behavior, in particular the inferior frontal cortex, which plays an important role in response inhibition. The project aims to investigate the neuronal correlates associated with improved response inhibition through the simultaneous use of both structural and functional MRI. This will help to increase our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this technique and to delineate factors that predict responsiveness to tDCS.

Task

The student will aid in the MRI measurements and the application of HD-tDCS. She/He will get an in depth understanding of both technologies and learn the theory underlying the research. She/He will also get hands-on experience on how to conduct scientific research and literature analysis.

Requirements

The student should be highly motivated to work in a research setting. Experience in a scientific setting and/or the application of (neuro-)psychological tests would be preferred but is not mandatory. The student will have the chance to learn all necessary skills during the internship.