Jerry A. Stitzel

Jerry A. Stitzel is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder with joint appointments at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics. His research uses genetic strategies to identify biological mechanisms underlying nicotine dependence and comorbid psychiatric conditions. Major research themes include identifying genetic modifiers of nicotine consumption, characterizing functional consequences of genetic variants, and investigating multigenerational effects of developmental nicotine exposure.

Stitzel's work employs mouse models and human genetic approaches to study gene-environment interactions in substance abuse disorders. His laboratory has secured multiple NIH grants including projects on genetic modifiers of Chrna5 function, rare mutation discovery in addiction, and glial expression in nicotine behaviors.

Recent publications demonstrate his focus on nicotine receptor polymorphisms, developmental exposure effects on neurodevelopment, and circadian disruptions in addiction models. He teaches Physiological Genetics and Genomics and mentors graduate students through the Behavioral Genetics program.