Clinical Training Program
Experimental Training Program
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Diversity at KSUProgram RequirementsQuantitative Methods Training Graduate AchievementsInfo for Current Students
Department of psychology 
Graduate Program
Biopsychology
Core Faculty
- Dr. Doug Delahanty
- Psychophysiological predictors and correlates of post-traumatic stress: secondary pharmacological interventions for trauma victims
- Dr. Stephen Fountain
- Behavioral, biopsychological, and computational approaches to understanding the mechanisms of complex behavior and cognition.
- Dr. David Riccio
- Biopsychology of learning and memory.
About the Biopsychology Program
Faculty in the this area represent a wide variety of interests but share a common concern for understanding the interrelationships between behavior and biological functions. The explosive growth of information and interests in the field of behavioral neuroscience frequently necessitates multidisciplinary study. Thus, students are encouraged to gain familiarity with anatomical, biochemical, and electrophysiological bases for a wide range of behaviors including learning, memory, sensation, motor control, reproduction and communication. Although the use of animals as subjects for basic research on learning/physiological issues is generally recognized, it should also be noted that, where appropriate, humans serve as subjects.
Research Training in Biopsychology
Research participation is a major focus of the biopsychology program. Students are expected to be involved in scientific investigations throughout their graduate study; typically, the initial participation involves collaboration in a faculty research project. By the end of the first year students are expected to begin an M.A. thesis based on common interests with a faculty member/adviser. Students' developing research experiences, knowledge, and independence culminate in the dissertation, usually completed by the end of the fourth year.
All students are encouraged to enroll in "Brown Bag" seminars (research practica) as well as to participate in individual investigations with faculty members other than their major adviser. This aspect of the program is designed to give students experience with techniques and issues in several areas of biopsychology. A secondary benefit of the experience is to enhance research by encouraging cross-fertilization of techniques and ideas among laboratories with different research emphases.
Research Facilities in Biopsychology
Much of the research in biopsychology at Kent State is conducted in the Kent Hall Animal Research Facility, a testing and animal care facility constructed in 1971. The animal facility has consistently received full accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Lab Animal Care (AAALAC). Extensive experimental equipment and surgical/histological facilities are available there. Psychobiological research with human subjects is carried out in appropriate rooms in Kent Hall and other facilities on the university campus.
Faculty with Related Interests
Dr. F. Robert Treichler (Emeritus) studies animal models of learning and memory as instruments for assessing neurological function, with an emphasis on nonhuman primate tests of multiple problem integration.