معرفی
Millie Rincón-Cortés is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), affiliated with the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. Her research focuses on the neurobiology of maternal behavior, dopamine system plasticity, and stress-induced neurobehavioral changes across development. Key research themes include how adversity impacts reward-related brain function during early life and postpartum periods, with an emphasis on sex differences and intergenerational effects.
Education:
- Postdoctoral Research: University of Pittsburgh (2020), studying dopamine neurophysiology
- PhD: Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Medical Center (2015)
- BS: Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (2009)
Research Interests: Dr. Rincón-Cortés investigates normative and adversity-induced changes in mesolimbic dopamine function, maternal-infant bonding mechanisms, and stress modulation of reward behaviors. Her work employs rodent models to study postpartum mental health, developmental stress exposure, and neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia.
Awards:
- Early Career Achievement Award (IBNS, 2020)
- Rafaelsen Young Investigator Award (CINP, 2020)
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow (2011)
Grants and Funding:
- R03 Grant (NICHD, 2023–2025): Examines early life adversity’s impact on caregiving behavior
- K01 Award (NIMH, 2022–2026): Focuses on maternal behavior and dopamine function
Laboratory: Director of the Developmental and Maternal Neurobiology Lab, which explores neurobiological mechanisms of caregiving and maternal mental health using electrophysiological and behavioral approaches.
