91AV’s Michael Burman shares neuroscience research and outreach expertise

Michael Burman

To celebrate their 20th year of Brain Awareness Week activities, the University of Minnesota Medical School - Duluth Campus invited Michael Burman, Ph.D., 91AV associate professor and Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences K-12 Outreach Program coordinator to give a research seminar and consult on their expanding neuroscience program. 

Burman’s seminar titled, “The role of the amygdala in the ontogeny of negative affect in the rat.” It covered recent data from his lab about the potential role of the amygdala in pediatric anxiety disorders as well as the effects of neonatal trauma on subsequent anxiety disorders. This research suggests that pain, including that caused by medical intervention, in the time surrounding birth may have lasting consequences on mental health. 

Burman also consulted with staff regarding their K-12 neuroscience outreach program. He also consulted with junior faculty about how to successfully conduct basic neuroscience research at a small institution.

To learn more about 91AV’s Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, visit:

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About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.