Sara Faccidomo

Sara Faccidomo, Ph.D. is a Research Assistant Professor at the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies within the Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. She works in the Hodge Lab, focusing on molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol and substance use disorders. Her research integrates behavioral neuroscience with molecular pharmacology to identify novel therapeutic targets for addiction treatment.

Dr. Faccidomo's primary research focuses on understanding how alcohol and other substances of abuse alter brain function at the molecular level. Her work specifically examines glutamatergic targets including AMPA receptor subunits, ERK1/2, CAMKII, PSD-95 and TARP-ɣ8 that modulate alcohol drinking and dependence. She investigates how alcohol use changes brain circuits and functions, with particular emphasis on the neural mechanisms that drive the rewarding and reinforcing aspects of alcohol and other drugs. A secondary research interest extends this work to investigate TARP-ɣ8 in models of stimulant and opioid use disorders.

Analysis of Dr. Faccidomo's publication record reveals a consistent focus on molecular mechanisms of alcohol use disorders with particular emphasis on glutamatergic signaling pathways. Her work spans from basic molecular neuroscience investigations to preclinical therapeutic development, with a strong emphasis on calcium-permeable AMPA receptors, kinase signaling pathways, and novel molecular targets for reducing alcohol consumption without undesirable side effects. The research employs sophisticated behavioral paradigms combined with molecular and proteomic approaches in rodent models.

Dr. Faccidomo also co-leads the neuroscience outreach activities of the Alcohol Studies Center and collaborates with local school districts and community partners to promote positive messaging about brain health and education. Her work bridges basic science with community engagement, translating complex neuroscience concepts into accessible educational content.