معرفی
Marcus Weera is the Evans Family Assistant Professor of Psychology at Tufts University and Graduate Biomedical Sciences Member in the Neuroscience Program. He directs the Addiction Neuroscience Lab focused on neurobiological mechanisms of substance misuse, particularly how traumatic stress alters brain function and alcohol susceptibility. His research employs neuroanatomical, circuit-based, biochemical, and behavioral approaches in animal models.
Education:
- PhD in Neuroscience, Purdue University
- BS in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University
His research examines interactions between environmental factors like stress and neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. Current work investigates how traumatic experiences create vulnerability to substance misuse through alterations in neural circuits involving the amygdala and hypothalamus.
Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on stress-addiction interactions, with recent work emphasizing CRF1 neuron circuitry in amygdala-hypothalamus pathways. Methodologies increasingly incorporate transgenic models and circuit-mapping techniques.
Awards & Honors:
- F32 National Research Service Award
- K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
Grants & Funding:
- NIH/NIAAA K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (2022)
- NIA Behavioral Neurobiology of Aggression Grant (2014-2018)
- F32 Kirschstein National Research Service Award
Leads the Addiction Neuroscience Lab utilizing rodent models to investigate stress-alcohol interactions. Currently teaches courses in Addiction Neuroscience and supervises graduate research in psychology and neuroscience.
