Anger & Rohlman lab
Behavioral measures reflect integrated nervous system function, and changes are sensitive indicators of nervous system dysfunction; psychological factors can interact with these dysfunctions. The lab's behavioral scientists employ neurobehavioral and psychological test methods to detect and characterize nervous system damage due to workplace and other exposures in populations of all ages, and they implement computer-based training methods for hazard prevention and skills acquisition.
Laboratory Members and Staff
(503) 494-2514- W. Kent Anger, PhD Senior Scientist (experimental/physiological psychology)
- Diane S. Rohlman, PhD Staff Scientist (experimental/cognitive psychology)
- Daniel Storzbach, PhD Portland VA scientist (clinical psychology/neuropsychology)
- Martha Fuchs, Research Assistant
- Lindsey Patterson, Research Assistant
Unique Testing and Training Systems
The laboratory has, with federal funding, developed computer-based systems for administering neurobehavioral and psychological tests and training using uniquely simple, clear instructions.
Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS)
BARS tests measure attention, memory, learning, and motivation (Anger et al., 1996; Rohlman et al., 1996, 2003). They are drawn from neuropsychology, experimental psychology, and the animal literature. The simple, clear instructions are available in English, Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Ukrainian; spoken instructions in these languages are available as an option. The tests are implemented on Macintosh computers (typically PowerBooks for field applications), and a 9BUTTON response unit replaces the keyboard for response input. BARS is available through collaboration with the lab or for licensing through an OHSU spinoff company, Northwest Education Training and Assessment (NwETA.com), and it is described and depicted at the company's website: http://www.nweta.com. A new version of BARS that can run on modern PCs is in programming.
cTRAIN
A computer-based training program using the Lab's 9BUTTON response unit is available as a development environment into which virtually any content can be entered. Training steps are simple, with feedback and frequent quizzes, followed by an overall final test. cTRAIN is available through collaboration with the lab or for licensing through an OHSU spinoff company, Northwest Education Training and Assessment (NwETA.com), and it is described and depicted at the company's website: http://www.nweta.com. Training developed by grants to the lab for manager training on domestic violence overflow to work (right) and pesticide applicator training (below).
Health Screening System (HSS)
A system for administering questionnaire-type tests.
Collaboration
The lab seeks collaboration opportunities to study nervous system function and dysfunction using neurobehavioral and psychological test methods. Major areas of specialization are:
Development, implementation and validation of neurobehavioral testing and behaviorally-based training methods is a major theme of the laboratory. The laboratory has developed the BARS and HSS test batteries described above and more completely at http://www.nweta.com. BARS and HSS testing systems may be employed through collaborations with senior members of the laboratory or through contractual arrangements for outright purchase or per-person use. The laboratory provides data reports on a per-person basis for clinical applications.
Dr. Anger chaired the committee that recommended the ATSDR Adult Environmental Neurobehavioral Test
Battery (AENTB), developed the AENTB Test Manual (Amler, Anger, Sizemore, 1995; available from CROET), and has trained AENTB Examiners for several ATSDR field evaluations. He also led the development of the Operational Guide and coordinated the 10-country cross-cultural assessment (Anger et al., 1993) of the World Health Organization-recommended Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery (NCTB). The NCTB and AENTB are the two consensus neurobehavioral test batteries to study neurotoxic disorders and the lab provides periodic training courses for these batteries at international meetings or individually as requested. Pictured right is Dr. Anger in a recent field trip to Egypt to collect pesticide exposure data for an NIEHS-funded grant on pesticide biomarkers and behavioral effects of exposure.
The lab has also provided assistance with the development of independent testing systems and
test batteries as well as the Pediatric Environmental Neurobehavioral Test Battery (PENTB). Dr. Rohlman specializes in neurobehavioral assessment of children exposed to neurotoxic chemicals, especialy pesticides. Pictured right is data collection in a study of children in Oregon.
Planning and implementation of large-scale neurobehavioral and psychological field assessments of workplace or community populations (100s to 1000s; see publications under Dr. Anger's CROET faculty page) is a unique specialty of the laboratory. Most such studies are conducted by the laboratory either independently or as collaborators in more comprehensive projects. The lab participates in a number of international projects (see projects at www.nweta.com).
The assessment of workplace and community populations exposed to neurotoxic chemicals or physical agents (e.g., heat) is the second major focus of the laboratory. As noted above, the laboratory typically leads these efforts but may also assume a variety of roles in support of more comprehensive projects. Consultation is available.
With the development of our efficient computer-implemented training system, cTRAIN, we are also able to assist in the development of effective training programs for virtually any subject. Pictured below is Dr. Rohlman and the team developing orientation and safety training for new agricultural employees .
Employment Opportunities in the Laboratory
- Research Assistant/Research Associate positions are advertised on OHSU's Human Resources web page and in the Oregonian; unsolicited vitae are reviewed upon receipt.
- Graduate and Postdoctoral positions (periodic)
- Interns and work-study students (when projects are available)
- Stipends for summer applicants (available from CROET for Oregon residents/students)
- Volunteers seeking a research career (occasionally accepted)
