Jennifer Nyland

Jennifer Nyland, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at Penn State College of Medicine, with affiliations to the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), Penn State Neuroscience Institute, and the Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction. Her research focuses on neuroimmunology, substance use disorders, and pain mechanisms, supported by grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

• PhD in Neuroscience, Penn State College of Medicine (2006)
• BS in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology, Grand Valley State University (2006)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, US Army Institute of Surgical Research (2013-2014)

Her work explores the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in treating opioid use disorder, sex differences in pain following traumatic injuries, and the neurobiological basis of natural vs. drug reward. She has contributed to understanding cannabinoid regulation, chronic pain transitions, and pre-arrest diversion programs for substance users.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in:

• Cannabidiol-derived designer drugs post-2018 Farm Bill
• Sex-specific pain mediators in burn injury
• Prenatal opioid exposure outcomes
• GLP-1 agonist therapies for addiction
• Microglial activation in neurotoxicology
• Chronic pain progression mechanisms

Scientific awards include the Linda L. Flickinger Award in Neuroscience (2013), Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program Applied Pain Research Award (2015), and multiple intramural awards.