简介

My research examines the neurobiological basis of drug use using a rodent model. I examine the neural structures that contribute to reward sensitivity in rats. Rats who are more responsive to novel stimuli or who are raised in an isolated environment are more sensitive to drug and non-drug rewards. Conversely, rats who are less responsive to novel stimuli or who are raised in an enriched environment are less sensitive to drug and non-drug rewards. I use locomotor activity, self-administration, brain microinfusions, and a variety of behavioral measures to determine the brain areas that may contribute to the differential response to rewards. My research is attempting to determine the neuronal mechanisms that contribute to drug taking behavior in order to develop methods to decrease drug use using both behavioral and neurobiological techniques.