Michael Berquist II

Dr. Michael Berquist II is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. His research focuses on preventing alcohol use disorder (AUD) through the use of psychedelics like lysergamides, studying stress exposure's impact on alcohol consumption, and developing medications for migraine-associated pain and cognitive disruption. Dr. Berquist employs rodent behavioral assays and collaborates with UAMS faculty on AUD medication testing. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University (2016).

• Education: Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Western Michigan University, 2016

Research interests include neuroinflammation mechanisms in alcohol toxicity, the role of 5-HT2A receptors in AUD, and the pharmacokinetics of drugs like methamphetamine and MDMA in rodents. He is currently not accepting new students but actively collaborates on projects addressing neonatal opioid withdrawal and liver dysfunction effects on drug metabolism. Dr. Berquist’s work bridges basic neuroscience and translational medicine, emphasizing drug development for addiction and neurological disorders.

Publications span 2017–2023, addressing topics such as MDMA deuterated forms, synthetic cathinones’ cardiovascular effects, and psychedelic therapeutics. His contributions highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding substance abuse and neuropharmacology.

Future directions include expanding migraine medication studies and exploring psychedelics’ therapeutic potential in AUD prevention. Dr. Berquist’s research aligns with UAMS’s mission to advance medical science and improve health outcomes through innovative pharmacological interventions.