Laboratories & Research Infrastructure
Neural Basis of Addiction Laboratory
Director: Laura O'Dell, Ph.D.
Dr. O’Dell’s research is focused on the neural mechanisms that mediate nicotine use in vulnerable populations, including adolescents, females and persons with metabolic disorders such as diabetes. To investigate this, Dr. O’Dell includes a variety of neurochemical, genetic, and molecular approaches, combined with behavioral models to provide a better understanding of the neural basis of addiction. Within her laboratory, there are several rooms, including behavioral testing areas optimized for conditioned place preference, self-administration as well as bench space for molecular assays.
Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory
Director: Edward Castañeda, Ph.D.
Dr. Castañeda investigates plasticity in presynaptic mechanisms that modulate neurotransmitter release during neurodegeneration or substance use. To accomplish this Dr. Castañeda incorporates in vivo intracerebral microdialysis to collect dopamine overflow evoked by drug and electrical stimulation of dopamine pathways. Within his laboratory, there is a wet lab area, as well as behavioral testing rooms.
Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory
Director: Sergio Iñiguez, Ph.D.
Dr. Iñiguez investigates how early life exposure to psychotropic drugs, or stress, increase abuse liability during adulthood. To accomplish this, Dr. Iñiguez employs a multidisciplinary approach in his research lab, including behavioral, molecular, immunohistochemical and pharmacological assays. Within his laboratory there is a wet lab area, as well as behavioral testing rooms optimized for conditioned place preference and social defeat assays.
Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory
Director: Katherine Serafine, Ph.D.
Dr. Serafine studies how factors such as age, sex or diet can increase vulnerability to substance use disorder. To accomplish this, she primarily uses behavioral pharmacology techniques combined with physiological and molecular assays. Within her laboratory, there are behavioral testing areas optimized for directly observable behavior, self-administration, conditioned place preference and open field locomotion. She also has access to shared bench space for molecular assays.
The Mendez Lab
Director: Ian Mendez, Ph.D. (School of Pharmacy)
Dr. Mendez's research investigates the signals and circuits of the brain that become dysregulated following repeated exposure to rewards and how these changes ultimately contribute to changes in motivational, hedonic, and cognitive processes, particularly in the context of addiction. Dr. Mendez's research team investigates these conditions by utilizing experimental methods in biology, pharmacology, behavior, genetics, and neurochemistry. Within his lab there are there are several rooms allowing for self-administration, drug vapor exposure, operant testing, learning and memory behaviors, and wet lab techniques.
