Behavioral science assistant professor April Becker and her team of students developed an automated cylinder test for stroke recovery assessment -- work that led to her earning a prestigious 2019 Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. UNT has had 12 Powe award recipients since 1991.

The test involves measuring a mouse's use of its forepaws when exploring an environment before and after a stroke. Using touchscreens instead of glass cylinders, Becker's automated test allows for the collection of additional data not typically analyzed in the traditional test. She hopes that data ultimately will result in increased understanding of stroke-related effects and treatments in humans.