Erin Bobeck

Dr. Erin Bobeck is an Associate Professor and Co-Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Biology at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. She leads the Bobeck Lab, which focuses on understanding how G-protein coupled receptor systems regulate neurological functions related to anxiety, pain, and addiction.

Dr. Bobeck's educational background includes:

• PhD in Experimental Psychology (Neuroscience) from Washington State University (2013)
• MS in Experimental Psychology (Neuroscience) from Washington State University (2010)
• BS in Psychology from Washington State University (2004)

Dr. Bobeck's research primarily centers on two major projects. First, she characterizes the novel neuropeptide-receptor system BigLEN-GPR171 and investigates how it regulates responses to stress and reward. Second, she examines how different opioids alleviate pain through distinct mechanisms, which leads to differences in the development of tolerance and addiction. Her lab employs behavioral, biochemical, and genetic approaches to develop novel therapeutics for treating pain, anxiety, and addiction disorders. Her work bridges basic neuroscience with potential clinical applications, particularly in understanding opioid mechanisms and identifying alternative pain management strategies that minimize addiction potential.

Analysis of Dr. Bobeck's recent publications (2009-2023) reveals a strong focus on opioid pharmacology, pain mechanisms, and neuropeptide receptor systems. Her research consistently explores how G-protein coupled receptors, particularly opioid receptors and the novel GPR171 receptor, modulate pain, anxiety, and reward pathways. A significant portion of her work investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying opioid tolerance development, which has important implications for understanding and addressing the opioid crisis. Her recent publications show an increasing emphasis on novel receptor systems like GPR171 as potential targets for pain management with reduced addiction potential compared to traditional opioids.

Dr. Bobeck has mentored numerous graduate students through their thesis research, including:

• Alyssa Lauer (Biology, August 2021)
• Callie Newson (Biology, August 2021)
• Max McDermott (Biology, May 2018)
• Megan Raddatz (Biology, March 2022 - May 2024)
• Akila Ram (Biology, January 2018 - May 2021)
• Leela Afrose (Biology, January 2018 - December 2020)

Dr. Bobeck teaches several courses including Neurobiology (BIOL 4450), Biology II (BIOL 1620), and Methods in Neuroscience (PSY, BIOL 4750, 6750, 7140). As Co-Director of Graduate Studies, she plays a significant role in shaping the graduate program within the Biology department.

The Bobeck Lab at Utah State University consists of graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and collaborators working together to advance understanding of neurological mechanisms related to pain, anxiety, and addiction. The lab utilizes a multidisciplinary approach combining behavioral testing, molecular techniques, and pharmacological interventions to investigate receptor systems and their roles in neurological function.