Steven Kinsey

Steven Kinsey, Ph.D., is a Professor and Director of the Center for Advancement in Managing Pain at the University of Connecticut (Storrs campus). He holds a doctorate in Behavioral Neuroscience from The Ohio State University and leads a research lab focused on pain management mechanisms.

His research integrates behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology, and immunology to investigate the endocannabinoid and opioid systems. Key interests include:

• Neurobiological mechanisms of chronic pain and inflammation
• Cannabinoid/opioid interactions in addiction pathways
• Stress-induced modulation of pain and emotional disorders
• Development of novel analgesics for substance use disorders

Recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on cannabinoid therapeutics, with studies examining THC derivatives, synthetic cannabinoids, enzyme inhibitors (MAGL/FAAH), and opioid-sparing adjuvants. Research primarily utilizes murine models to explore withdrawal behaviors, inflammatory responses, and neuroendocrine pathways.

Awards recognizing his contributions include:

• Outstanding Researcher Award (West Virginia University, 2019)
• Postdoctoral Best Abstract Award (American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2011)
• Meritorious Teaching Award (The Ohio State University, 2007)

He mentors a diverse team including graduate students (Matt Reck, Carl Rodriguez, Maria Jaakson, Olivia Vanegas) and undergraduates (Emily Flynn, Shiv Patel, Yasmin Schrom) who have received competitive fellowships. The Kinsey Lab is actively recruiting PhD students and investigates pain modulation through cannabinoid receptor mechanisms.