Allison Anacker

Allison Anacker is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Vermont, within the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from Oregon Health & Science University (2012), an M.S. from Humboldt State University (2006), and an A.S. from Santa Rosa Junior College (2002). Her teaching focuses on neuroscience and psychology courses, including Physiological Psychology, Behavioral Genetics, and Neurodiversity. Her current research emphasizes the scholarship of teaching and learning, while her prior work investigated genetics and neurobiology underlying social behavior, addiction, and autism spectrum disorder.

Education:

• A.S., Santa Rosa Junior College, 2002
• B.S., Humboldt State University, 2006
• Ph.D., Oregon Health & Science University, 2012

Research Interests: Dr. Anacker’s past research explored how social relationships influence alcohol drinking behaviors and neurobiological mechanisms underlying social behaviors. Specific areas include the role of oxytocin and serotonin in social bonding, genetic factors in autism spectrum disorder, and sex differences in alcohol consumption. She also investigates the interplay between social dynamics and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Publications: Her work spans over a decade, with recent contributions to understanding hormonal influences on habit formation and the impact of social interactions on gene expression. Earlier studies focused on prairie vole models to examine alcohol’s effects on pair bonding and peer influence on drinking patterns.

Awards:

• Neuroscience Reviewer Recognition 2022

Teaching & Advising: While her current role does not involve formal student advising, she teaches courses such as NSCI 1070 (First Year Neuroscience Seminar) and PSYS 3210 (Behavioral Genetics). Her pedagogical research emphasizes innovative assessment strategies to enhance student engagement.

Labs/Teams: Collaborations include projects on neurodevelopmental disorders and the neurobiology of social behavior, often involving interdisciplinary teams at UVM and beyond.