Department of Neuroscience
Mentor: Jocelyn Richard, Ph.D., Department of Neuroscience
Project: Optogenetic Modulation of the Projections from the Paraventricular Thalamus to the Nucleus Accumbens in Compulsive Alcohol Drinking
Dr. Bauer’s project aims to identify a neural circuit that causes alcohol drinking despite negative consequences, a defining feature of alcohol use disorder. By using optogenetics to manipulate the neural projections from the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus to the nucleus accumbens, we hope to reduce alcohol drinking in the presence of negative consequences. Identification of a neural circuit that can reduce alcohol drinking despite known negative consequences is the first step to discovering a novel therapeutic treatment for alcohol use disorder. The long-term outcomes of Dr. Bauer’s neuromodulation research may lead to both the prevention and treatment of alcohol use disorder.
