Ali Gheidi

Dr. Ali Gheidi is a faculty member at Mercer University School of Medicine, where he conducts research focused on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory, aging, and addiction. His current work specifically examines how neuronal ensembles in the medial prefrontal cortex control reinstatement to cocaine seeking.

His educational background includes a BA in Psychology from York University, MSc and PhD in Psychology-Neuroscience from Wilfrid Laurier University, followed by three postdoctoral fellowships: at the University of Michigan in Neurobiology of Drug Addiction, at the University of Newfoundland in Neurobiology of Memory, and at Wayne State University in Neurobiology of Drug Addiction.

Dr. Gheidi's research interests center on the neurobiology of drug-reinstatement, memory formation, and the effects of aging on neural systems. His work bridges behavioral neuroscience with molecular approaches to understand how specific neural circuits contribute to addictive behaviors and cognitive processes. Recent publications demonstrate his focus on prefrontal cortex function, neuronal ensemble dynamics, and the role of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine in modulating behavior.

His research portfolio includes significant publications from 2012-2024, with a recent emphasis on neuronal ensembles, prefrontal cortex function in addiction, and sex differences in drug responses. The publication trend shows consistent contributions to neuroscience literature with increasing focus on translational aspects of addiction research.

Dr. Gheidi currently leads an active research program funded by NIH/NIDA through a K01 career development award (K01 DA055068) titled 'Norepinephrine modulates medial prefrontal cortex neural ensembles that control cocaine seeking behavior' (2022-2027). He also participates in the NIDA-funded T32 postdoctoral training program in drug abuse biology.

• Active member of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence
• Member of the Society for Neuroscience

His laboratory appears to focus on rodent models of addiction and memory, utilizing behavioral paradigms, neural activity mapping, and pharmacological approaches to investigate the neural basis of drug-seeking behavior and cognitive function. Current work suggests collaboration with multiple neuroscience laboratories across different institutions.