Helen M. Kamens

Helen M. Kamens is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Health at the College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University. She leads research at the Behavioral Neurogenetics Lab, focusing on the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in complex behaviors, particularly substance use disorders.

• Research Focus: Behavioral genetics, drug use mechanisms, acetylcholine receptors, and adolescent stress effects.
• Education: PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience from Oregon Health & Science University (2007).
• Contact: Office: 258A Health and Human Development Building; Email: hmk123@psu.edu; Phone: 814-865-1269.

Research Trends: Her work integrates genetic, pharmacological, and neuroscience tools across preclinical, cell culture, and human genetic models to explore: (1) biological predispositions to drug use, (2) neurobiological consequences of substance use, and (3) environmental stressors during adolescence as risk factors for future addiction.

Advising and Grants: Helen actively mentors graduate students and secures funding for research projects examining gene-environment interactions in substance use disorders, emphasizing translational approaches to improve prevention and treatment strategies.

Labs & Teams: She directs the Behavioral Neurogenetics Lab, which employs multidisciplinary methodologies to bridge molecular biology and behavioral outcomes, fostering collaboration between neuroscientists and geneticists.