Lori Knackstedt

Lori Knackstedt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Florida, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She leads the Neurobiology of Addiction Research Lab, investigating neuroadaptations in the glutamate system caused by addictive drugs like nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine. Her work employs techniques such as western blotting and microdialysis to target these changes for reducing drug-seeking behaviors.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara (2005)
• B.S. in Biology, Bucknell University (1999, Magna cum laude)

Research Focus: Her research explores pathological brain and behavioral changes in addiction, focusing on reward circuitry and translational therapies. She studies drug co-administration effects and neural adaptations to develop interventions.

Lab & Team: Supervises three graduate students, one post-doctoral fellow, and seven undergraduates. Current funding supports her translational addiction research. Open post-doctoral positions are available.

Affiliations: Active in the UF Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE). Teaches courses including Behavioral Neuroscience and Neurobiology of Substance Abuse.