Labratory Research

Developmental Neuropharmacology
Members of our group integrate the fields of developmental psychobiology, psychopharmacology, and neurochemistry by investigating the neurobehavioral effects of drugs of abuse in developing rats.  Human recreational drug use peaks during the developmental stage of adolescence, making experimental research on the mechanisms and consequences of adolescent drug intake particularly relevant.   We are also interested in basic research on brain mechanisms of reward and reinforcement and thus conduct research using food and other reinforcers as well. 

We have divided our research into two main areas of focus, the first on psychomotor stimulant effects and the second on opiate drug effects.  Other reinforcers are integrated in each of the main areas.