Kristen R. Breit

Dr. Kristen R. Breit is an Assistant Professor of Biopsychology in the Department of Psychology at West Chester University's College of Sciences and Mathematics. She holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and teaches courses including Introduction to Biological Psychology, Drugs Behavior and the Brain, and Biopsychology Seminar. Her research focuses on neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal substance exposure.

Dr. Breit investigates how polydrug exposure (alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, e-cigarettes) during pregnancy impacts brain development and lifelong behavior using preclinical models. Her work examines teratogenic mechanisms in hippocampal interneurons, amygdala neuroadaptations, and motor/cognitive deficits, with particular emphasis on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and interactions between cannabinoids and nicotine delivery systems.

Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on choline supplementation as neuroprotective intervention, sex-specific vulnerability windows, and translational approaches bridging molecular changes to behavioral outcomes. Research utilizes advanced histological, behavioral, and pharmacokinetic methodologies in rodent models.

Dr. Breit mentors students in her laboratory, emphasizing hands-on training in teratology techniques. She is an active science communicator serving as an Advocacy Ambassador for FABBS and regularly presents at community events. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes integrative understanding of neurobiological systems through discussion-based learning and multidimensional assessment.