Stephen B. Abbott

Stephen B. Abbott is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia. His research bridges neuroscience, physiology, and molecular pharmacology to explore brain-body interactions in cardiorespiratory control and affective states.

• BS in Physiology and Psychology from University of Sydney
• PhD in Medicine from Macquarie University
• Post-doctoral training at University of Virginia and Harvard University

Dr. Abbott's work focuses on central mechanisms of autonomic regulation, particularly how neural systems coordinate breathing, cardiovascular function, and emotional states. His team employs optogenetics, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and rodent genetics to map neural circuits in the retrotrapezoid nucleus and C1 regions that maintain physiological balance.

Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding neural integration of cardiorespiratory feedback and the molecular basis of autonomic disorders. His 2024 work on ventrolateral medulla neurons and 2023 studies of neuromedin B-expressing cells reveal new dimensions of autonomic network organization.