Michela Marinelli

Dr. Michela (Micky) Marinelli is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Natural Sciences. She holds additional appointments in the Department of Neurology (Dell Medical School), the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Dell Medical School), and the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology (College of Pharmacy). Her primary research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying addiction, particularly exploring how factors like age (e.g., adolescence), individual differences, and stress influence addiction vulnerability. She employs a systems-based approach combining molecular, cellular, anatomical, and behavioral methods such as electrophysiology, optogenetics, and functional neuroanatomy.

Dr. Marinelli is also dedicated to promoting scientific rigor and critical thinking. She teaches courses like Analytical Skepticism and Responsible Conduct of Science, and leads workshops for junior faculty, postdocs, and students. Her work extends to public engagement through talks on scientific integrity.

Her research has been recognized with awards such as the prestigious "Texas 10" Award (2020). Key areas of investigation include the role of the lateral preoptic area in reward pathways, stress-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior, and the neurobiological consequences of adolescent drug exposure. She actively publishes in high-impact journals like Neuropsychopharmacology and Frontiers in Neuroscience.

Dr. Marinelli's lab, the Micky Marinelli Lab, integrates interdisciplinary approaches to uncover mechanisms of addiction and develop evidence-based strategies to combat substance use disorders.