Renee Countryman, Ph.D.

B.S. and M.S., Western Illinois University Ph.D., Tulane University; Postdoc. Res. Assoc., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Research Interests

As a behavioral neuroscientist trained in behavioral pharmacology, molecular and cellular neuroscience techniques, the neurobiology of learning and memory, and the neurobiology of aging, I am interested in a variety of research questions.  Some of my recent projects include research on context-dependent memory and attraction with humans, and the ability of norepinephrine agonists to recover memory damage induced by manipulation of the cholinergic neurotransmitter system with rats.  I hope to continue research in both of these fields here at Austin College.  I would like expand the context-dependent memory and attraction research to include research with pheromones and sexual orientation. 

Teaching Interests

I can be found teaching the Physiological Basis of Behavior (Psychology 215) each semester, but I also love to teach General Psychology, Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, and Research Methods.

Recent Publications (Bold Names Indicate Undergraduate Researchers)

Countryman, R.A. & Gold P.E. (2007).  Rapid forgetting of social transmission of food preferences in aged rats: Relationship to hippocampal CREB activation. Learning & Memory, 14, 350-358 .
Smith, C. A.; Countryman, R. A.; Sahuque, L. L.; & Colombo, P. J. (2007). Time-course of Fos expression in rat hippocampus and neocortex following acquisition and recall of a socially transmitted food preference.  Neurobiology of Learning & Memory, 88, 65-74.

Recent Presentations (Bold Names Indicate Undergraduate Researchers)

Tharp, A. P. & Countryman, R. A. (2008). The effects of the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, atomoxetine on long-term memory following lesion to rat medial septum: an exploration of possible treatment for aged-associated cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s memory type deficits. Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL. May 1-3, 2008.
Mobley, I. & Countryman, R. A. (2008).  Attractiveness, odor influences, and context-dependent memory.  John Wesley Powell Research Conference, IWU, Bloomington, IL. April 12, 2008.
Schnupp, J.; Dougan, J.; & Countryman, R. A. (2008).  Behavioral responses to predictable and unpredictable competitors and c-Fos expression in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens.  John Wesley Powell Research Conference, IWU, Bloomington, IL. April 12, 2008.
Opal, M. & Countryman, R. A. (2007). Guanfacine improves mnemonic processing following lesion to rat medial septum: a novel treatment approach to Alzheimer’s memory type deficits.  Association for Psychological Science (APS), Washington D. C. May 26, 2007.