Shawn K. Acheson | Scholars@Duke

Shawn K. Acheson
Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

In collaboration with Dr. Scott Swartzwelder, research in our lab has focused on the neurodevelopmental effects of alcohol and other drugs of abuse. In particular, we have been interested in how and why adolescents are more sensitive to some effects of ethanol and THC (e.g., learning and memory) and less sensitive to other effects (e.g., sedation). Beginning in Fall 2011, my lab will begin a new line of research focused on potential pharmacotherapies for TBI and the basic underlying mechanisms of recovery of function following acquired brain injury. This work is funded by a Career Development Award from the Veterans Administration Biomedical Laboratory Research & Development service.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Translational Neuroscience, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences 2013
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, University Institutes and Centers 2012

Contact Information

240 Katrina Way, Sylva, NC 28779
240 Katrina Way, Waynesville, NC 28786
shawn.acheson@duke.edu (919) 768-2243

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., Southern Illinois University 1997
Duke Appointment History
- Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Science Departments 2009 - 2013
Expertise
Subject Headings
Research
Selected Grants
- 1/8 NADIA UO1 Adolescent Alcohol Effects on Learning and Hippocampal Function awarded by National Institutes of Health 2010 - 2020
- IPA - Shawn Acheson 2018
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Schepis, T. S., Acheson, S., Zapp, D., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (2019). Alcohol use and consequences in matriculating US college students by prescription stimulant/opioid nonmedical misuse status. Addict Behav, 98, 106026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.06.015
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  - Straka, B. C., Gaither, S. E., Acheson, S. K., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (2019). “Mixed” Drinking Motivations: A Comparison of Majority, Multiracial, and Minority College Students. Social Psychological and Personality Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550619883294
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  - Swartzwelder, H. S., Park, M.-H., & Acheson, S. (2017). Adolescent Ethanol Exposure Enhances NMDA Receptor-Mediated Currents in Hippocampal Neurons: Reversal by Gabapentin. Sci Rep, 7(1), 13133. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-12956-6
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  - Miller, K. M., Risher, M.-L., Acheson, S. K., Darlow, M., Sexton, H. G., Schramm-Sapyta, N., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (2017). Behavioral Inefficiency on a Risky Decision-Making Task in Adulthood after Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Exposure in Rats. Sci Rep, 7(1), 4680. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-04704-7
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  - Lei, B., James, M. L., Liu, J., Zhou, G., Venkatraman, T. N., Lascola, C. D., … Wang, H. (2017). Erratum: Neuroprotective pentapeptide CN-105 improves functional and histological outcomes in a murine model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Sci Rep, 7, 39580. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep39580
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  - Sharma, R., Rosenberg, A., Bennett, E. R., Laskowitz, D. T., & Acheson, S. K. (2017). A blood-based biomarker panel to risk-stratify mild traumatic brain injury. Plos One, 12(3), e0173798. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0173798
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  - Lei, B., James, M. L., Liu, J., Zhou, G., Venkatraman, T. N., Lascola, C. D., … Wang, H. (2016). Neuroprotective pentapeptide CN-105 improves functional and histological outcomes in a murine model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Sci Rep, 6, 34834. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep34834
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  - Klein, R. C., Acheson, S. K., Qadri, L. H., Dawson, A. A., Rodriguiz, R. M., Wetsel, W. C., … Dawson, H. N. (2016). Opposing effects of traumatic brain injury on excitatory synaptic function in the lateral amygdala in the absence and presence of preinjury stress. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 94(6), 579–589. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.23702
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  - Risher, M.-L., Fleming, R. L., Risher, W. C., Miller, K. M., Klein, R. C., Wills, T., … Swartzwelder, H. S. (2015). Adolescent intermittent alcohol exposure: persistence of structural and functional hippocampal abnormalities into adulthood. Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 39(6), 989–997. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.12725
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  - Swartzwelder, H. S., Acheson, S. K., Miller, K. M., Sexton, H. G., Liu, W., Crews, F. T., & Risher, M.-L. (2015). Adolescent Intermittent Alcohol Exposure: Deficits in Object Recognition Memory and Forebrain Cholinergic Markers. Plos One, 10(11), e0140042. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0140042
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  - Centanni, S. W., Teppen, T., Risher, M.-L., Fleming, R. L., Moss, J. L., Acheson, S. K., … Swartzwelder, H. S. (2014). Adolescent alcohol exposure alters GABAA receptor subunit expression in adult hippocampus. Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 38(11), 2800–2808. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.12562
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  - Klein, R. C., Acheson, S. K., Mace, B. E., Sullivan, P. M., & Moore, S. D. (2014). Altered neurotransmission in the lateral amygdala in aged human apoE4 targeted replacement mice. Neurobiology of Aging, 35(9), 2046–2052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.02.019
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  - Swartzwelder, H. S., Hogan, A., Risher, M.-L., Swartzwelder, R. A., Wilson, W. A., & Acheson, S. K. (2014). Effect of sub-chronic intermittent ethanol exposure on spatial learning and ethanol sensitivity in adolescent and adult rats. Alcohol, 48(4), 353–360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alcohol.2014.02.003
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  - Klein, R. C., Saini, S., Risher, M.-L., Acheson, S. K., Fleming, R. L., Sexton, H. G., … Moore, S. D. (2014). Regional-specific effects of ovarian hormone loss on synaptic plasticity in adult human APOE targeted replacement mice. Plos One, 9(4), e94071. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0094071
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  - Li, Q., Fleming, R. L., Acheson, S. K., Madison, R. D., Moore, S. D., Risher, M.-L., … Swartzwelder, H. S. (2013). Long-term modulation of A-type K(+) conductances in hippocampal CA1 interneurons in rats after chronic intermittent ethanol exposure during adolescence or adulthood. Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 37(12), 2074–2085. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.12204
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  - Fleming, R. L., Li, Q., Risher, M.-L., Sexton, H. G., Moore, S. D., Wilson, W. A., … Swartzwelder, H. S. (2013). Binge-pattern ethanol exposure during adolescence, but not adulthood, causes persistent changes in GABAA receptor-mediated tonic inhibition in dentate granule cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 37(7), 1154–1160. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.12087
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  - Wang, H., Anderson, L. G., Lascola, C. D., James, M. L., Venkatraman, T. N., Bennett, E. R., … Laskowitz, D. T. (2013). ApolipoproteinE mimetic peptides improve outcome after focal ischemia. Exp Neurol, 241, 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.11.027
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  - Acheson, S. K., Bearison, C., Risher, M. L., Abdelwahab, S. H., Wilson, W. A., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (2013). Effects of acute or chronic ethanol exposure during adolescence on behavioral inhibition and efficiency in a modified water maze task. Plos One, 8(10), e77768. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0077768
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  - Risher, M.-L., Fleming, R. L., Boutros, N., Semenova, S., Wilson, W. A., Levin, E. D., … Acheson, S. K. (2013). Long-term effects of chronic intermittent ethanol exposure in adolescent and adult rats: radial-arm maze performance and operant food reinforced responding. Plos One, 8(5), e62940. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0062940
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  - Swartzwelder, N. A., Risher, M. L., Abdelwahab, S. H., D’Abo, A., Rezvani, A. H., Levin, E. D., … Acheson, S. K. (2012). Effects of ethanol, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, or their combination on object recognition memory and object preference in adolescent and adult male rats. Neurosci Lett, 527(1), 11–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2012.08.037
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  - Fleming, R. L., Acheson, S. K., Moore, S. D., Wilson, W. A., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (2012). In the rat, chronic intermittent ethanol exposure during adolescence alters the ethanol sensitivity of tonic inhibition in adulthood. Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 36(2), 279–285. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01615.x
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  - Gierisch, J. M., Straits-Tröster, K., Calhoun, P. S., Beckham, J. C., Acheson, S., & Hamlett-Berry, K. (2012). Tobacco use among Iraq- and Afghanistan-era veterans: a qualitative study of barriers, facilitators, and treatment preferences. Prev Chronic Dis, 9, E58. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd9.110131
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  - Fleming, R. L., Acheson, S. K., Moore, S. D., Wilson, W. A., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (2011). GABA transport modulates the ethanol sensitivity of tonic inhibition in the rat dentate gyrus. Alcohol, 45(6), 577–583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alcohol.2011.03.003
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  - Acheson, S. K., Straits-Tröster, K., Calhoun, P. S., Beckham, J. C., & Hamlett-Berry, K. (2011). Characteristics and correlates of cigarette use among recent U.S. veterans. Military Psychology, 23(3), 297–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2011.570589
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  - Zaborowski, D. E., Dedert, E. A., Straits-Troster, K., Lee, S., Wilson, S. M., Calhoun, P. S., … Beckham, J. C. (2011). Public health clinical demonstration project for smoking cessation in american veterans who served since september 11, 2001. J Addict Med, 5(1), 79–83. https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0b013e3181df97d5
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  - Acheson, S. K., Moore, N. L. T., Kuhn, C. M., Wilson, W. A., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (2011). The synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55212-2 differentially modulates thigmotaxis but not spatial learning in adolescent and adult animals. Neurosci Lett, 487(3), 411–414. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2010.10.067
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  - Moore, N. L. T., Greenleaf, A. L. R., Acheson, S. K., Wilson, W. A., Swartzwelder, H. S., & Kuhn, C. M. (2010). Role of cannabinoid receptor type 1 desensitization in greater tetrahydrocannabinol impairment of memory in adolescent rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 335(2), 294–301. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.110.169359
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  - White, A. M., Jordan, J. D., Schroeder, K. M., Acheson, S. K., Georgi, B. D., Sauls, G., … Swartzwelder, H. S. (2004). Predictors of relapse during treatment and treatment completion among marijuana-dependent adolescents in an intensive outpatient substance abuse program. Subst Abus, 25(1), 53–59. https://doi.org/10.1300/J465v25n01_08
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  - Acheson, S. K., Ross, E. L., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (2001). Age-independent and dose-response effects of ethanol on spatial memory in rats. Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.), 23(3), 167–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0741-8329(01)00127-6
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  - Abou-Donia, M. B., Abdel-Rahman, A. A., Kishk, A. M., Walker, D., Markwiese, B. J., Acheson, S. K., … Jensen, K. F. (2000). Neurotoxicity of ethyl methacrylate in rats. J Toxicol Environ Health A, 59(2), 97–118. https://doi.org/10.1080/009841000157005
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  - Acheson, S. K., Richardson, R., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (1999). Developmental changes in seizure susceptibility during ethanol withdrawal. Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.), 18(1), 23–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0741-8329(98)00063-9
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  - Acheson, S. K., Stein, R. M., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (1998). Impairment of semantic and figural memory by acute ethanol: age-dependent effects. Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 22(7), 1437–1442. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.1998.tb03932.x
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  - Markwiese, B. J., Acheson, S. K., Levin, E. D., Wilson, W. A., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (1998). Differential effects of ethanol on memory in adolescent and adult rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 22(2), 416–421.
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  - Molfese, V. J., & Acheson, S. (1997). Infant and preschool mental and verbal abilities: How are infant scores related to preschool scores? International Journal of Behavioral Development, 20(4), 595–607. https://doi.org/10.1080/016502597385072
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  - Gilbert, M. E., Acheson, S. K., Mack, C. M., & Crofton, K. M. (1990). An examination of the proconvulsant actions of pyrethroid insecticides using pentylenetetrazol and amygdala kindling seizure models. Neurotoxicology, 11(1), 73–86.
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- Book Sections
  - Marx, C. E., Naylor, J. C., Kilts, J. D., Dunn, C. E., Tupler, L. A., Szabo, S. T., … Acheson, S. K. (2016). Neurosteroids and traumatic brain injury translating biomarkers to therapeutics; overview and pilot investigations in Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans. In Translational Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (pp. 145–161).
- Conference Papers
  - Fleming, R. L., Acheson, S. K., Risher, M. L., Li, Q., Wilson, W. A., Moore, S. D., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (2012). IN THE RAT, CHRONIC INTERMITTENT ETHANOL EXPOSURE DURING ADOLESCENCE, BUT NOT LATER, ALTERS THE ETHANOL SENSITIVITY OF TONIC INHIBITION IN ADULTHOOD. In Alcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research (Vol. 36, pp. 105A-105A). San Francisco, CA: WILEY-BLACKWELL.
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Teaching & Mentoring
Advising & Mentoring
Available to mentor:
- Undergraduate

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Education, Training, & Certifications

Duke Appointment History

Subject Headings

Selected Grants

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Book Sections

Conference Papers

Advising & Mentoring

Available to mentor: