Steven B. Harrod

Steven B. Harrod is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Carolina, part of the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on understanding how prenatal drug exposure (e.g., nicotine) impacts vulnerability to substance abuse, developing pharmacotherapies for methamphetamine addiction, and exploring sex differences in drug response. He holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Kent State University (1999), with postdoctoral training at the University of Kentucky in drug abuse behavior and neuropharmacology.

Education:

• B.A. Psychology, University of Kentucky, 1993
• M.A. Experimental Psychology, Kent State University, 1997
• Ph.D. Experimental Psychology, Kent State University, 1999

Research Interests:

Dr. Harrod investigates the neurobehavioral consequences of prenatal drug exposure, particularly nicotine, on offspring drug-taking behaviors (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine). His lab also evaluates novel compounds to reduce stimulant self-administration and examines sex differences in drug sensitivity. Key themes include:

• Prenatal IV nicotine effects on mesocorticolimbic systems
• Pharmacological treatments for stimulant addiction
• Sex-based neurobiological differences in addiction vulnerability

Grants & Funding:

His research has been supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the University of South Carolina. Notable grants include:

• R01 DA021287: Prenatal IV Nicotine & Stimulant Vulnerability
• R01 HD043680: Maternal HIV Neurodevelopmental Effects

Awards/Honors:

• 2010: Magellan Scholar Award (student mentorship)
• 2007-2009: NIDA Travel Awards

Advising & Mentorship:

He has mentored over 15 undergraduate and graduate students, including Magellan Scholars (e.g., Alexandra Basilakos, Lauren Ballina) in projects on prenatal drug exposure and addiction pharmacology.

Labs/Teams:

Dr. Harrod leads a research team studying neurobehavioral mechanisms of addiction at the University of South Carolina, collaborating with neuroscientists and pharmacologists on translational drug abuse research.