Gruol, Donna L.
examines the pathways and mechanisms involved in neuronal signaling in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), developmental expression of signaling pathways, and the neuroadaptive mechanisms through which CNS disease and drugs alter neuronal signaling and viability.
Koob, George F.
Investigates the neurobiological basis of emotional behavior focused on the theoretical constructs of reward and stress. His work explores the neural bases of motivation, reinforcement, behavioral responses to stress, and addiction.
Mason, Barbara J.
explores the physiological changes in the brain that drive excessive drinking and create vulnerability to relapse, and she investigates the viability of utilizing new compounds to modulate the neurological effects of alcohol, reduce excessive intake, and prevent relapse.
Parsons, Loren H.
studies neurochemical mechanisms in drug dependence with the goal of characterizing neural pathologies that may be viable targets for a pharmacotherapy of addiction; particular focus is on the central serotonin and endocannabinoid systems.
Roberto, Marisa
uses in vitro electrophysiological techniques to understand the effects of abused drugs and neuropeptides on neuronal function and synaptic transmission.
Roberts, Amanda J.
investigates the neural bases of motivated behaviors such as drug self-administration, exploratory drive, and feeding.
Schweitzer, Paul P.
focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of substances of abuse and their interaction with endogenous transmitter systems in the brain.
Siggins, George R.
uses extracellular, intracellular, and patch recording of neurons in vitro to study mechanisms of synaptic transmission and neuronal function and to understand the effects of neuropeptides, abused drugs, and neuropathologic insults.
Taffe, Michael A.
investigates the behavioral and physiological impact of exposure to substituted amphetamine drugs of abuse such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "Ecstasy) and methamphetamine; he is also studying the cognitive risks posed by chronic alcohol drinking during adolescence.
Weiss, Friedbert
investigates the neurobiology of addictive disorders, focusing on understanding the brain neurocircuitry as well as the neurochemical and molecular mechanisms that mediate the addictive effects of drugs of abuse, contribute to the development of dependence, and convey vulnerability to relapse.
