Our lab is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in the ever-growing field of behavioral neuroscience. The obtainment of this goal is made possible by an enthusiastic group of devoted individuals determined to conduct meaningful research. Our primary research focus is to study the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie drug dependence and craving. Specifically, we examine the role of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, glutamate and dopamine in the motivation to seek out drugs. In addition, we aim to elucidate limbic-cortical circuits that underlie the the motivation to take drugs that is elicited by sampling the drug, stress, or exposure to drug-associated cues. More recently, our lab has also begun to use rodent animal models to investigate how social situations (e.g. social defeat stress or juvenile social play reward) may affect drug initiation, maintenance, and relapse.

To learn more about the lab, the people in the lab, the specific projects we currently have going on, and the collaborators we are working with, please feel free to navigate around the site using the buttons along the left. There is also a section for undergraduate research assistants who are interested in working in the lab and would like more information (See RA Info).