Following preceptor choice, students undertake a program of research training lasting 3-4 years. Research preceptors and thesis advisory committees guide the research program of the trainee.

Students training in core faculty member laboratories gain experience in the analysis of spontaneous and evoked pain behaviors, as well as experience in the analysis of drug effects after different routes of central or peripheral administration. They also receive training in:

  • In vivo and/or in vitro electrophysiological recording techniques
  • Light or electron microscopic methodologies
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Trainees working in clinical laboratories may work with healthy or clinical populations and may involve clinical trial interventions. These trainees learn a variety of pain assessment techniques that use a subjective pain rating, quantitative sensory testing, function, quality of life and psychosocial variables.

Predoctoral students are also expected to attend at least one national meeting a year to present research results. They are also expected to present each year at the UI Health Sciences Research Week event and the Midwest Pain Society Group meeting.