Kacy Henwood: Addiction and Neuroscience, Week Three

Our rats arrived at the lab this week. Before we could start any experiments, we had to handle the rats so they are used to humans. This required Megan and I to spend everyday holding each rat for a few minutes. With 48 rats to hold it took Megan and I over 3 hours to do it. We are going to begin training the rats with the alcohol boxes next week. After spending a whole week handling juvenile rats, I am beginning to think rats are extremely cute.

Outside of the lab, I experienced many new things. It was Michelle’s last week in California, so Tom took us to a San Diego Padres game. The feeling at the stadium was amazing. The Padres won and we got to see 3 home runs! On Saturday, Michelle left very early and Lora,Megan, and I took a quick trip down to Mexico. We went with Lora’s Rotary Club. They help the Rotary Club of Tijuana teach children English and computer skills. We went to the end of the year celebration for the students. It was very touching to see how much the classes have effected the students and how grateful each student was.

The week was great! I am learning so much and I am very excited to start the next step in the experiment process.