Overview
This laboratory uses a multidisciplinary approach using both animal and model systems to study the biology of addiction and stress/depression. We are specifically interested in how adolescence and the hormonal changes of puberty and aging influence vulnerability to these conditions. Specific projects underway include: (1) the biology of sex differences in addictive drug action, (2) role of maturing dopamine systems in the onset of drug taking during adolescence, (3) the neurobiology of …
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology
·
1995 - Present
Pharmacology & Cancer Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
·
2021 - Present
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences,
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
·
2008 - Present
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences,
University Institutes and Centers
Affiliate of the Center for Child and Family Policy
·
2015 - Present
Center for Child and Family Policy,
Sanford School of Public Policy
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2020 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society
·
2020 - Present
Duke Science & Society,
University Initiatives & Academic Support Units
Recent Publications
Hair Cortisol Concentrations in the Prediction of Early Substance Use Engagement in Youth.
Journal Article Subst Use Misuse · 2025 OBJECTIVE: Understanding factors associated with early onset of substance use is critical as using alcohol or drugs at a young age is a strong predictor of later substance dependency. Experiencing stressful life events is associated with increased risk for ... Full text Link to item CiteApplying the Research Domain Criteria to Rodent Studies of Sex Differences in Chronic Stress Susceptibility.
Journal Article Biol Psychiatry · December 1, 2024 Women have a 2-fold increased rate of stress-associated psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, but the mechanisms that underlie this increased susceptibility remain incompletely understood. Historically, female subjects were excluded from pr ... Full text Link to item CiteMaternal diet disrupts the placenta-brain axis in a sex-specific manner.
Journal Article Nat Metab · December 2022 High maternal weight is associated with detrimental outcomes in offspring, including increased susceptibility to neurological disorders such as anxiety, depression and communicative disorders. Despite widespread acknowledgement of sex biases in the develop ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
NCCU Duke - Substance Use Research & Education (ND-SURE)
ResearchMentor · Awarded by North Carolina Central University · 2024 - 2029Manipulating normal estrogen physiology as a therapeutic approach in cancer
ResearchCollaborating Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2023 - 2028ASPET SURF Institutional Award
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEParticipating Faculty Member · Awarded by American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · 2018 - 2028View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Duke University ·
1976
Ph.D.