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.

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Maddie is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry.

Maddie joined the lab in 2021, and she is also on the board for the Neuroscience club.

After graduating, Maddie plans on pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant.

In her free time, Maddie enjoys spending time at the beach, exploring new parts of San Diego, and doing yoga!

Eliza is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Biomedical Ethics at the University of San Diego.

Eliza joined the lab in 2022 and has plans to pursue a master's in Neuroscience abroad after graduating.

Outside of the lab, Eliza manages a local surf shop, assists USD Copley Library with social media and events, and is a College Corps Fellow at MAAC, working with low-income housing and food insecurity. In her free time, she enjoys surfing, traveling, listening to podcasts, and exploring San Diego with friends!

Erin is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry at the University of San Diego.

Erin joined the lab in 2020. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine after graduation as an OBGYN.

On campus, Erin is Chapter President of Alpha Chi Omega, and serves on the E-Board of the Neuroscience Club. In her free time, she enjoys spending hours at the beach, yoga, and quality time with family and friends.

Carla is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with minors in Chemistry and Business Admin at University of San Diego.

Carla joined the lab in 2022. She hopes to pursue a career in dentistry after graduation as an Orthodontist.

Outside of lab, Carla is involved in USD’s pre-dental club, her sorority, and serves as a Pre-Health mentor for younger students. In her free time, Carla enjoys traveling, staying active, and taking in everything San Diego has to offer. She enjoys playing volleyball, adventuring around, and spending time with family and friends!

As a first year at USD, Katarina has not yet officially declared her major, but plans on pursuing a career in medical research with a focus on neuroscience. She has always had an interest in psychology, but is curious specifically about the biological mechanisms that drive human behavior.

Katarina joined the Neurobiology of Motivation Lab during her fall semester of freshman year. During her free time, Katarina can be found reading, painting, spending time with her many pets, and volunteering at animal shelters.

Emma is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with minors in French and Biology at the University of San Diego.

Emma joined the lab in fall of 2022. After graduation, she hopes to attend school again in order to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant.

Outside of school, Emma is part of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and enjoys traveling, relaxing at the beach, trying new restaurants, and hanging with friends and family.

Ely is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Biology and Chemistry at the University of San Diego.

Ely joined the lab in 2022. She hopes to pursue a career in optometry after graduation.

On campus, Ely is the Co-President of People of the Islands and is part of the Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization, Mortar Board, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and the Pre-Health Peer Mentoring Program. In her free time, she enjoys going to new places and trying new foods.

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

Andrea joined the lab in 2022 and is very interested in learning more about the mechanisms of behavior in the genetic and structural level. After graduating she hopes to obtain a masters in Genetic Counseling.

Outside the lab Andrea enjoys traveling and exploring new places, photography and spending time outdoors.

Rubye is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Environmental Science.

Rubye joined the lab in fall of 2021. They intend to work in neuroscience research after graduation.

Rubye is a College Corps Fellow at the Port of San Diego, working in the Environmental Protection department. They serve on the E-Board of the Neuroscience Club and also participate in the Surfrider Club and Sustainability Club on campus.

In their free time, Rubye loves skateboarding and boxing. They also enjoy spending time in nature.