Andrew R Tapper

Andrew R Tapper is a Professor of Neurobiology at UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the T.H. Chan School of Medicine and multiple graduate programs at Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on the neurobiology of addiction, particularly the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine and alcohol dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and novelty preference. His lab employs multidisciplinary approaches including optogenetics, molecular biology, and behavioral analysis.

Education: BS in Biochemistry (University of California, Riverside), MS in Biochemistry (University of California, Riverside), PhD in Pharmacology (Vanderbilt University).

Research Interests: The habenulo-interpeduncular circuit in nicotine dependence; interpeduncular nucleus control of novelty preference; anxiety and stress pathways in addiction. His work highlights roles for GABAergic and cholinergic neurons in these circuits.

Recent articles explore topics ranging from particle physics collaborations (e.g., CMS experiments) to neurobiological mechanisms of addiction and stress. Key findings include identifying the IPN as a critical node for novelty preference and anxiety during withdrawal.

He mentors postdoctoral researchers and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects. His lab seeks to identify therapeutic targets for addiction and stress-related disorders.