Research

Research in the lab focuses on the intersection of behavioral and developmental neuroscience. We study brain-behavior relationships across development, and how genes and environmental stress influence these processes. Current research projects in our lab are investigating neurophysiological and behavioral mechanisms related to risk for developing mood-related  and alcohol/substance use problems and the relationship between the two. Most individuals presenting with an alcohol/substance use disorder (A/SUD) also present with one or more comorbid disorders, often a mood disorder. Comorbidity is associated with more severe illness outcomes, than for either mood disorder or A/SUDs alone, ranging from impulsive risk-taking and cognitive deficits, to a higher risk for suicide. This highlights the importance of understanding how this comorbidity develops. While much research has focused on the pathophysiology of addiction and mood disorders, suggesting overlapping neural circuitry, there is a paucity of research investigating the neural mechanisms underlying development of comorbidity. Our research focuses on the development of mood- and alcohol/substance-related behaviors during adolescence/young adulthood, a critical period of development when symptoms of these disorders often emerge. We take a developmental approach, using longitudinal neuroscience paradigms, to identify genes, neurophysiological, environmental, and behavioral predictors of problem behaviors and mechanisms by which predictors translate into adult phenotypes (e.g. suicide and addiction) within and across psychiatric disorders.

Interested in participating in an active research study? Click here for current opportunities!

View abstracts accepted at national conferences below.

2020 Society of Biological Psychiatry

Elizabeth Lippard- SOBP 2020

Dylan Kirsch- SOBP 2020

Vanessa Le- SOBP 2020

Alex Preston- SOBP 2020

Valeria Tretyak- SOBP 2020

2020 Research Society on Alcoholism

Dylan Kirsch- RSA 2020

2020 Anxiety and Depression Conference

Staci Board- ADAA 2020

2019 American College of Neuropsychopharmacology

Elizabeth Lippard- ACNP 2019

2019 Research Society on Alcoholism

Elizabeth Lippard- RSA 2019

Dylan Kirsch- RSA 2019

Valeria Tretyak- RSA 2019

2019 Society of Biological Psychiatry

Dylan Kirsch- SOBP 2019

Valeria Tretyak- SOBP 2019

2019 International Society for Bipolar Disorders

Elizabeth Lippard- ISBD 2019

2018 Society of Biological Psychiatry

Elizabeth Lippard- SOBP 2018