Neurocircuitry of addiction and relapse
Role of neural stress systems in cue-induced drug seeking
Neuronal subpopulations within motivation-related structures
My primary research interests are the neurobiological mechanisms of drug addiction and the compulsive behaviors and maladaptive habits associated with this psychiatric disorder. A central theme of my research thus far has been investigating the neurocircuitry and transmitter systems underlying cue-induced drug seeking. Drug-associated cues are known to be powerful triggers of relapse in addicts and are capable of driving reinstatement of drug seeking in animal models as well. I am interested in exploring how drug-associated cues become such powerful motivators during the addiction process. The lab uses animal models of addiction, including the rodent self-administration paradigm. We analyze behavior, neurotransmission, neurocircuitry, and genetic expression related to addiction, and we utilize virus technologies for optogenetic, DREADD, and anatomical tracing studies.
