Alex Kusnecov

Professor Alex Kusnecov holds a PhD from the University of Newcastle, Australia (1990) and has extensive postdoctoral training at the University of Rochester Medical School. He joined Rutgers University in 1998 and currently serves as undergraduate Vice-Chair of the Department of Psychology. His primary affiliation is with the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers.

Education:

• PhD in Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia (1990)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical School (1990-1993)

Research Focus: Investigates brain-behavior-endocrine-immune system relationships using mouse models and human studies. Key areas include:

• Impact of infection/immune activation on cognitive/emotional states
• Molecular mechanisms linking peripheral immune events to central nervous system
• Startle reflex modulation by genetic/cognitive/emotional factors
• Psychosocial variables influencing aging, neuropathology (e.g., stroke), and immune response

Collaborations: Active interdisciplinary work through the Institute for Health, focusing on translational research connecting psychosocial factors with biological processes.