Emily Hoegler

In our project Dr. Cordeira and I studied the effect of exercise on dopamine levels in mice. We did this because we had previously observed that exercise decreased the mice’s high-fat food (HFF) intake, protecting them from obesity. We theorized that this was occurring because the dopamine reward the mice experienced after exercising was replacing the reward they experienced from eating HFF. This research could have exciting implications for weight-loss strategies. For example, researchers could potentially isolate the physiological mechanism through which exercise modifies food intake and learn how to improve this process.

We also looked at the mice’s food preference with HFF that was left out for various numbers of days. HFF is commonly used in obesity and eating studies in mice. In these experiments, the HFF is typically not replenished every day, and thus often becomes rancid. We did not know if the rancidity of the HFF could affect the mice’s behavior towards it, and therefore confound the results of this type of research. This research will inform future experiments using HFF and allow researchers to control for the effect of food staleness.

I would strongly recommend the SURF program at Western! I am so happy to have had the opportunity to put the skills I learned in the classroom to the test by designing and implementing these experiments. This challenge helped me grow as a student and a scientist. Even now as a law student, the research skills I gained during this experience have helped me excel in my work. I am also so thankful for my mentor, Dr. Joshua Cordeira, for affording me the opportunity to work in his lab these past few years. I have gained so much knowledge and experience through this opportunity and I cannot express my gratitude enough!