Helen Kamens

Helen Kamens is an Associate Professor of Biobehavioral Health at Pennsylvania State University, returning to her alma mater after completing her PhD at Oregon Health & Science University (2007). Her research integrates genetic, pharmacological, and neuroscience approaches to study the biological mechanisms underlying drug use, stress, and addiction. Key focus areas include the role of acetylcholine receptors in alcohol and tobacco consumption, as well as how adolescent stress influences later drug-seeking behaviors.

• Education:
  • Bachelor's in Biobehavioral Health, Penn State (2002)
  • PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (2007)
• Research Interests:
  • Genetic and environmental influences on complex behaviors
  • Neurobiological consequences of drug use
  • Adolescent stress and its lifelong impacts

Her work utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining rodent models with human genetic studies. The Behavioral Neurogenetics Lab, led by Kamens, explores how genetic variation interacts with environmental factors to shape behavioral outcomes. Recent studies highlight epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation) and microRNA regulation in response to stress and substance exposure. Grants and funding support her projects on opioid neuroimaging and nicotine receptor pharmacology.

Labs/Teams: Director of the Behavioral Neurogenetics Lab, part of Penn State's College of Health and Human Development.