Michael J. Lewis

Michael J. Lewis is a Professor of Psychology at Hunter College, CUNY, within the School of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the neurobiology of motivation, particularly examining alcohol dependence, eating disorders, and substance abuse. He leads the Doctoral Program in Biopsychology and Behavioral Neuroscience and directs the Neurobehavioral Laboratory.

Dr. Lewis holds a PhD in Experimental Psychology (Psychobiology) from Temple University. His work investigates how feeding, nutrition, and neuropeptides like galanin and opioids influence alcohol reinforcement and dependence. Collaborations with institutions like Princeton and Rockefeller Universities have explored how chronic alcohol intake disrupts nutritional systems and impacts neural pathways.

His research highlights alcohol's dual role as a nutrient and a neurochemical disruptor, linking substance abuse to eating disorders through shared neurobehavioral mechanisms. No notable awards are explicitly listed, but his publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to addiction and neurobehavioral science.

As Program Head, Dr. Lewis oversees graduate training in biopsychology and neuroscience. His lab integrates behavioral analysis, neurochemical assays, and animal models to study addiction etiology. Contact details include mlewis@hunter.cuny.edu and an office at 68th Street North 619.