David Barker

David Barker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Rutgers University, affiliated with the Brain Health Institute. His research applies cutting-edge neurotechnologies to study neural circuits involved in psychiatric disorders, focusing on drug addiction, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. By combining anatomical, electrophysiological, and optogenetic/chemogenetic techniques, his lab aims to identify maladaptive brain processes and develop improved treatment strategies. Current work is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Research interests include understanding how neural circuits process stimuli related to drug use, with emphasis on dopamine signaling pathways, stress responses, and comorbid mental health conditions. Techniques employed include calcium imaging, fiber photometry, and advanced data analysis tools like pMAT.

His lab’s studies highlight the role of specific brain regions (e.g., nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area) in addiction and pain. Notable findings include the modulation of dopamine transporters by cocaine and the behavioral effects of orexin receptor antagonists. Funding from NIH/NIDA supports ongoing projects exploring circuit-level interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Opportunities exist to join the lab through graduate training programs, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to neuroscience research.