Kent Berridge

Kent Berridge is the James Olds Distinguished University Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan's Department of Psychology. His research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms of reward, motivation, and emotion, particularly how the brain processes pleasure, addiction, and decision-making.

Education: Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

Research Interests: Dr. Berridge investigates how the brain generates pleasure, regulates reward learning, and distinguishes between 'liking' and 'wanting' processes. His work employs optogenetic techniques, drug microinjections, and behavioral analysis in rodent models to study mesocorticolimbic systems. Key topics include addiction mechanisms, the role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems, and the neural basis of affective valence.

Awards & Recognition: Named James Olds Distinguished University Professor, reflecting his contributions to neuroscience. His research has been featured in prominent journals and media outlets like Popular Science and NPR.

Lab & Team: Leads the Affective Neuroscience + Biopsychology Lab, fostering individualized graduate research in topics like reward pursuit, hedonic hotspots, and neural circuit modulation. Collaborates with researchers on projects such as dopamine's role in addiction and the neurobiology of 'disgust'.