Join the Team
The Zahner Cardiovascular Neuroscience Research Laboratory is an interdisciplinary environment where students gain experience at the interface of neuroscience, physiology, and bioengineering. We welcome motivated graduate and undergraduate students who are eager to investigate how the brain and spinal cord regulate cardiovascular function and central autonomic control.
Students in the lab receive hands-on training in a wide range of experimental approaches, including electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, viral circuit mapping, histology, telemetry, and computational analysis. No specific prior training is required — we provide the skills necessary to succeed. However, strong curiosity, problem-solving ability, and quantitative or computational strengths are especially valuable.
Working in the lab offers the opportunity to contribute to projects aimed at understanding and repairing the neural circuits disrupted in conditions such as spinal cord injury, cardiac pain, sleep apnea, and hypertension. Students also gain experience presenting their work, writing scientific reports, and preparing for careers in neuroscience, physiology, medicine, or biomedical research.
We strive to maintain a collaborative and supportive research environment where students are encouraged to think critically, ask big questions, and develop independence as scientists. Whether your interest is in basic neuroscience, translational physiology, or biomedical engineering, there is a place for you in our lab.
Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
Are you interested in neuroscience, physiology, or biomedical research? The Zahner Cardiovascular Neuroscience Research Laboratory offers undergraduate students the chance to get hands-on experience studying how the brain and spinal cord control cardiovascular function.
As an undergraduate in the lab, you’ll learn experimental techniques such as electrophysiology, histology, viral tracing, and data analysis, while contributing to ongoing projects on spinal cord injury, cardiac pain, sleep apnea, and hypertension. No prior lab experience is required — we provide the training and mentorship you need to succeed.
Working in the lab is a great way to strengthen your scientific skills, build your résumé, and prepare for graduate school, medical school, or other careers in science and health. Most importantly, you’ll become part of a collaborative team where curiosity and creativity are encouraged.
