Chris Newland

Chris Newland is a Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Auburn University, College of Liberal Arts. His research examines the behavioral consequences of neurotoxicants and drugs, particularly methylmercury and psychostimulants, across the lifespan, using experimental models in rodents. He is funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and contributes significantly to the fields of behavioral pharmacology and neurotoxicology.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Rochester
• PhD, Georgia Institute of Technology
• BEE, Auburn University

Dr. Newland’s research integrates experimental analysis of behavior with environmental health and psychopharmacology, focusing on how neural disruptions from toxins manifest in behavior. His work emphasizes quantitative modeling of behavior, developmental trajectories (early life to aging), and cognitive processes such as decision-making, impulsivity, and learning flexibility. He frequently publishes on methylmercury, cocaine, and amphetamine effects in adolescent and adult models.

His recent publications show a strong trend in neurodevelopmental toxicology, particularly the long-term cognitive and behavioral impacts of early exposure to environmental contaminants. These studies use sophisticated behavioral paradigms like reversal learning, delay discounting, and fixed-ratio schedules to quantify neurobehavioral deficits.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• APA Division 25 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Behavior Analysis
• Auburn University Creative Scholarship Award
• Fellow, Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)

Dr. Newland serves on the editorial boards of Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Perspectives on Behavior Science, Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Neurotoxicology (as Associate Editor), and Neurotoxicology and Teratology. He previously served on an NIH study section for neurotoxicology and alcohol. He mentors graduate students and teaches courses including Drugs and Behavior, Biopsychology, and Behavioral Effects of Environmental Contaminants. He has secured external funding from NIEHS and actively contributes to national scientific discourse on behavioral science and environmental policy.

He is actively involved in research teams focused on neurotoxicology and behavioral modeling, collaborating across disciplines to translate experimental findings into public health insights.