Aram Bernardos

Historically, associative and non-associative learning have been studied in isolation; however, the phenomena of latent inhibition, pseudoconditioning, and habituation of reinforce effectiveness suggest that these seemingly distinct learning pathways may interact under certain conditions. It has been suggested that associative and nonassociative learning are not independent mechanisms. Thus, it is not surprising that stimuli involved in associative learning (i.e. Unconditioned Stimulus [US], Conditioned Stimulus [CS]) may also undergo non-associative learning. Likewise, a handful of studies have demonstrated that non-associative learning can be enhanced by association with a contextual cue. Intriguingly, it has also been shown in certain paradigms that reconsolidation blockade of the contextual cue can, in turn, disrupt the non-associative memory. However, this interaction has yet to be replicated, and the molecular events which underlie it are entirely unknown. The goal of my research is to use behavioural and cellular analyses to investigate the relationship between associative and non-associative forms of memory.

My hypothesis is that the presence of an associative context cue will alter how the non-associative memory is stored. To this end, a simple roundworm (Caenorhabditis elegans) capable of context-enhanced habituation will be used. Because of its small, mapped-out nervous system, short lifespan, and readiness to genetic manipulation, this animal will greatly facilitate the identification of key molecules mediating the interaction between associative and non­associative learning.