Kah-Chung Leong

Kah-Chung Leong is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Trinity University, conducting research on neural mechanisms of addiction, emotions, and memory using rodent models. His work integrates behavioral, pharmacological, chemogenetic, and immunohistochemical techniques to translate findings into potential human therapeutic applications.

Education:

• Ph.D., Texas A&M University
• M.S., University College London
• B.A., Pepperdine University

Dr. Leong's research centers on drug addiction pathways, particularly oxytocin's modulation of cocaine/ethanol seeking behaviors and memory system interactions. His laboratory investigates how brain regions like the dorsal hippocampus and central amygdala influence addiction processes, with attention to sex differences and social context. This multidisciplinary approach bridges behavioral neuroscience and clinical psychopharmacology.

Analysis of his 11 publications (2015-2024) reveals consistent focus on oxytocin's therapeutic potential in substance use disorders, neural circuit mapping of addiction behaviors, and memory system dynamics. His work spans neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and behavioral psychology with strong emphasis on translational rodent models.

Dr. Leong teaches Introduction to Neuroscience, Neuropsychopharmacology, and Sensation and Perception. He maintains an active laboratory within Trinity's research ecosystem, contributing to university-wide initiatives like the 2019-2021 faculty research projects supporting over 50 investigators.