Hannah Carlson

Hannah Carlson is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Lake Forest College. Her research focuses on behavioral neuroscience, addiction, and ingestive behavior, using translational rodent models to explore substance use disorders and motivational states.

• PhD, Wake Forest School of Medicine
• MA, Wake Forest University
• BS/BA, University of Georgia

Her work examines the neurobiological basis of addiction, including the effects of drugs on reward systems, comorbid alcohol use and PTSD, and the role of neurotransmitter receptors in feeding behavior. Recent studies investigate fentanyl-xylazine interactions and cocaine reinforcement mechanisms.

Key awards include the 2023 Sundberg Award, Outstanding Dissertation Award, and the Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Fellowship. She teaches courses such as Neuroscience and Behavior, Learning, and Drugs, Substance Use, and Addiction.