John Meitzen

John Meitzen is a Professor and University Faculty Scholar in the Department of Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology at North Carolina State University. He coordinates the Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology (IPN) Concentration and holds a lab in David Clark Labs. His research focuses on neuroendocrinology and nervous system function, particularly exploring how sex hormones influence neural activity and synaptic plasticity in striatal regions like the nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen. He has received significant awards including the 2024 Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor honor and the 2020 Outstanding Teacher Award, reflecting his excellence in both research and teaching.

Meitzen's work integrates molecular, electrophysiological, and behavioral approaches to study estrogen receptor signaling pathways, synaptic transmission modulation, and the effects of environmental toxins on neurophysiology. He collaborates with multiple programs including the Center for Human Health and the Environment (NIEHS P30 Center) and the Comparative Biomedical Sciences program in the College of Veterinary Medicine. His lab has pioneered methods like real-time neurotransmitter detection using cyclic voltammetry and nonparametric statistical approaches for functional data analysis.

Awards and recognitions highlight his contributions to neuroscience education and research:

• 2024 Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor
• 2020 Outstanding Teacher Award
• 2018 University Faculty Scholar

His research group engages students in authentic scientific inquiry through lab-based courses, fostering collaboration between teaching and research. Current projects investigate sex differences in neural electrophysiology, rapid hormonal effects on synaptic properties, and the impact of perinatal environmental exposures on adult behavioral outcomes. The Meitzen Lab is affiliated with the Biological Sciences Department, Genetics and Genomics Academy, and Toxicology & Environmental Health Sciences programs.