Thesis Title: Addiction Vulnerability in an Animal Model of Schizophrenia

Graduate Dept: Medical Neuroscience

Degree Sought: PhD

Research Advisor: Dr. R.A. Chambers

Lab Website: Click Here

Teacher Partner: Rachel Gillis

Partner School: Southport High School

School URL: Click Here

Research Goal

My research is aimed at elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying substance abuse in schizophrenia.

Description of Your Research

I am currently studying nicotine and alcohol addiction in a neurodevelopmental animal model of schizophrenia.  The leading hypothesis for high rates of substance abuse among individuals with schizophrenia is that they abuse drugs as a form of self-medication despite the deleterious effects.  However, research from our lab indicates that these individuals may have a predisposition towards addiction and are therefore more likely to become drug abusers.  Currently, there are several experiments that I am conducting which are trying to provide further support for this hypothesis.  Right now, I am assessing alcohol seeking and self-administration in an animal model of schizophrenia and control rats.  I am also beginning experiments with nicotine self-administration as well as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression levels in animals with and without a previous nicotine history.

Examples Of How My Research Is Integrated Into My GK-12 Experience

My knowledge provides me with the opportunity to explain the deleterious effects of drugs of abuse, particularly nicotine and alcohol which are commonly abused by high school students.  Additionally, my experience with the scientific method allows me to help students think through problems from their hypotheses to conclusions.

Currently, My GK-12 Classroom Is Investigating

I am teaching in a freshman level biology class at Southport High School.  Currently, we are studying biological communities.