Professor, Department of Neuroscience

My scientific research is aimed at understanding the role of norepinephrine in stress-related illness, particularly psychiatric disorders. My research involves mostly preclinical studies examining the cellular adaptations of noradrenergic circuits to drugs of abuse (opiates, cannabinoids and psychostimulants) but more recently has expanded to include clinical investigations. Ongoing research efforts in my laboratory are aimed at developing novel opiate detoxification approaches for counteracting norepinephrine overactivity following withdrawal from opiates as well as elucidating the impact of stress on vulnerability to substance abuse. These studies include an examination of receptor trafficking and signaling pathways in monoaminergic nuclei as well as gender differences in drug-induced anxiety. My research approach is collaborative and I routinely work with other investigators in the pursuit of knowledge using a multi-disciplinary scientific approach.