Kenneth Carr

Kenneth Carr is a Professor of Psychiatry and Molecular Pharmacology and Biochemistry at the NYU School of Medicine, affiliated with the Neuroscience Institute. He holds a PhD and BA in Psychology from NYU. His research focuses on brain reward mechanisms, particularly neuroadaptations in the ventral striatum related to food restriction and drug abuse, insulin’s role in flavor-nutrient learning, and RAGE-mediated anhedonia. He directs the Physician Scientist Research Program in Psychiatry and previously led the NIDA Postdoctoral Training Program in Drug Abuse Research.

His research interests span behavioral neuroscience, addiction neurobiology, and metabolic influences on brain function. Recent work highlights interactions between diet, insulin signaling, and dopamine pathways. Carr’s studies emphasize translational insights into obesity, drug abuse, and mood disorders.

Notable contributions include investigations into how food restriction alters striatal AMPA receptors and insulin signaling, influencing drug reward and anhedonia. His lab employs rodent models to explore molecular mechanisms underlying these processes. Professional leadership includes roles in training programs fostering the next generation of physician-scientists.