My interest in Behavioral Neuroscience began as an undergraduate at Arizona State University. At ASU I volunteered as a research assistant in Dr. Janet Neisewander’s Laboratory where I worked on a series of projects investigating the involvement of dopamine signaling in the amygdala in drug- and cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Wow! I had no idea such interesting research was going on right on my college campus! I was hooked.

I went on to pursue a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience in Dr. Aaron Ettenberg’s Behavioral Pharmacology Lab at the University of California, Santa Barbara. My graduate work focused on the neurobiology underlying the opponent processes of cocaine. More specifically, we found that norepinephrine signaling in the extended amygdala is integral to the experience of the negative/anxiogenic, but not the positive/euphoric, effects of acute cocaine.

I then went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in the lab of Dr. Joe Cheer at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. My post-doc research explored a number of topics, including; the role of dopamine and endocannabinoids in active avoidance, how corticostriatal and endocannabinoid signaling influences impulsive choice, and the effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on cocaine reward and reinforcement.

After my postdoc I joined the National Institute on Drug Abuse as a Program Officer in the Division of Neuroscience and Behavior where I administered biomedical research grants and developed funding opportunities for neuroscience researchers. In 2020 I joined the faculty of the University of San Diego as an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience.

CV

Yuliana is majoring in Neuroscience, and double minoring in Chemistry and Theology & Religious studies at USD.

Yuliana joined the lab in spring 2026. On campus, she is also involved in University Ministry, and in ISO as an I-team member. Yuliana founded, and serves as president for, the chapter of Friends of MSF at USD. After graduation Yuliana wants to go to medical school.

In her free time Yuliana enjoys spending time with friends, going to new restaurants, and being outdoors.

Ali is majoing in Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry at USD.

Ali joined the lab in fall 2025. On campus she is also a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity. Ali also volunteers for Scripps Mercy Emergency Department and hopes to attend medical school after graduation. 

In her free time, Ali enjoys exploring San Diego, going to hot yoga & the beach, and hanging out with friends.

Kieran is studying Neuroscience, History, and Chinese at USD.

Kieran joined the lab fall 2025.

Kieran's future goals are to go into medicine and policy.

Erin is majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry and Biomedical Ethics at USD. 

Erin joined the lab in spring 2026 and plans to go to medical school after graduating. 

Outside of lab, Erin is the Secretary of the club Friends of MSF Doctors Without Borders, works with athletics at USD, volunteers with Conversations to Remember, and plays club soccer. 

Erin also loves to read, go to the gym, listen to classic-rock music and explore new coffee shops with friends around San Diego!

Valeria is majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Biomedical Ethics at USD.

Valeria joined the lab in fall 2025. After graduating, she plans to attend PA school.

Away from academics, Valeria loves to play bass guitar, explore new places, relax at the beach and try new cafes!

Cami is majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Biomedical Ethics at USD.

Cami joined the lab in spring 2025. On campus, she is a student worker at the Sports Center and a part of the Neuro Club. After graduation, Cami hopes to get her PhD to pursue a research career.

In her free time, Cami enjoys finding new cafes and restaurants with her friends as well as going to the beach!

Lilly is majoring in Neuroscience at USD.

Lilly joined the lab in spring 2026. On campus Lilly is a coxswain on the Men’s Rowing team. Off campus she is on the Wish team at Make-A-Wish, working with critically ill children. 

After graduating, Lilly plans on pursuing a career in medicine after graduation as a Pediatrician. In her free time, she enjoys a good podcast and quality time with family and friends.

Sofia is majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Mathematics at USD.

Sofia joined the lab in fall 2025. On campus, Sofia is a part of Phi Delta Epsilon Pre-Medical Fraternity currently serving as Philanthropy/Service chair, and a McNair Scholar. Sofia also works as a Receptionist and Sales Associate at Proteus Athletic Club in San Diego. After graduating, she intends on doing an MD/PhD program to do research and become a surgeon.

In her free time, Sofia loves to go hiking, find new dinner spots around San Diego, play tennis and go on cafe study dates with friends.

Paige is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and minoring in English at USD.

Paige joined the lab in spring 2026. On campus, Paige is a member of Psi Chi, USD Honors Program, and an alumni member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. After graduation, Paige hopes to pursue graduate research and science communication.

In her free time, Paige enjoys going to the beach with friends, playing guitar, and staying active.

Yvonne is majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry at USD.

Yvonne joined the lab in Fall 2025. On campus, she is also the Education Chair at the Medical Brigades chapter at USD and part of the Padel Club. She volunteers at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Children and hopes to attend medical school after graduation.

Originally from Mexico, Yvonne enjoys spending time with friends, exploring San Diego, and staying active in her free time.