I am a PhD canditate in UBC's Neuroscience Program (www.interchg.ubc.ca/neurosci). I completed my BSc and my Master's in Neuroscience at Carleton University.

The olfactory bulb (OB) is supplied with new interneurons throughout adult life. These new cells are born in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and migrate to the OB via the rostral migratory stream (RMS). I am interested in understanding whether afferent activity to the OB from the olfactory epithelium might regulate neurogenesis in the SVZ and RMS. To address this question, I will be employing a naris occlusion model which involves blocking a single nostril to prevent afferent activity to the ipsilateral OB. I will be using immunohistochemical analysis to determine whether activity changes the rates of proliferation and death in these neurogenic areas. From here, I will try to determine the involvement of the cells of the OB and any factors they may produce in response to activity that would regulate neurogenesis.
My real reason for being here, of course, is to try and drive Jane crazy (more so) by the end of my tenure. So far, so good.
I am also an avid crime-fighter and moderate recycler.

Contact Jim at: cooke@zoology.ubc.ca