Kevin T Beier

Kevin T Beier is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics at the School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine. He holds a joint appointment in Biomedical Engineering within the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and serves as Associate Director of the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, reflecting his interdisciplinary contributions to neuroscience and biomedical research.

His research focuses on understanding the neural substrates of drug addiction, identifying sources of individual variability in addiction, and investigating molecular and circuit-level mechanisms underlying mood disorders such as anxiety and anhedonia. He also maps circuit pathology in neurodegenerative conditions including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, while simultaneously developing innovative technologies to advance the study of complex biological systems.

The Beier Lab has been recognized with significant funding, including the prestigious NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (DP2), highlighting the innovative nature of his scientific inquiry. His trainees have consistently earned top honors, including the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research, the Howard Schneiderman Prize, and fellowships from NSF and NIDA, demonstrating his excellence in mentorship and research training.

• NIH Director's New Innovator Award (DP2)
• Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research (mentored)
• Howard Schneiderman Prize (mentored)
• Best Poster Presentation at UROP Symposium (mentored)
• Top Abstract Award at Conte Center Symposium (mentored)
• Best Graduate Student Award at UCI School of Medicine (mentored)
• NIDA ICAN T32 Training Program (mentored)
• Pharmaceutical Sciences Excellence in Research Award (mentored)
• CNLM Jared M. Roberts Memorial Graduate Student Award (mentored)
• DTEI Fellowship (mentored)
• NSF GRFP (mentored)

Dr. Beier actively mentors a large group of undergraduate and graduate students, fostering a dynamic research environment. His lab has received competitive federal and institutional grants, supporting a robust training program in neuroscience and translational research. The lab emphasizes both fundamental discovery and technological innovation to address critical challenges in brain health.

The Beier Laboratory at UCI is a thriving interdisciplinary research team focused on cutting-edge neuroscience, combining molecular, circuit, and behavioral approaches to understand brain function in health and disease. The lab actively participates in institutional research symposia and collaborates across departments, particularly between the School of Medicine and the School of Engineering.