Mariana Pareira

Mariana Pareira is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of neuroscience, behavior, and mental health. Her work is housed within the College of Natural Sciences, reflecting her strong foundation in biological and cognitive sciences.

Education:

• PhD, 2006, University of the Republic, Uruguay

Her research centers on the neurobiological basis of parenting, with a focus on cognitive, motivational, and affective mechanisms. She investigates these processes at multiple levels—from neural circuits to molecular pathways—particularly within the limbic-cortical-striatal network and the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Her lab employs animal models to explore how maternal neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression and substance use disorders impact parenting behavior.

While no specific publications are listed in the provided text, her research trajectory suggests a strong emphasis on behavioral neuroscience, psychiatric disease modeling, and neurochemical regulation of social behavior. This work has broad implications for understanding mental health during the postpartum period and developing targeted interventions.

Scientific Awards:

Dr. Pareira's research program likely involves mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, although no named advisees are listed. There is no mention of external grants, but her laboratory-based work implies involvement in funded research projects. Her long-term scientific goals may include identifying neural biomarkers of maternal dysfunction and testing pharmacological or behavioral therapies in preclinical models.

Labs and Research Teams:

She leads a research lab at UMass Amherst focused on the neurobiology of parenting and maternal mental health, utilizing integrative approaches across systems, molecular, and behavioral neuroscience.