Monica Luciana

Monica Luciana is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota, with an adjunct affiliation with the Institute of Child Development. She directs the Brain and Behavioral Processes Laboratory, focusing on brain-behavior relationships, neuroplasticity, and the impact of substance use on adolescent neurodevelopment. Her research examines executive functions (e.g., working memory, emotional control) and reward processing, using pharmacological, neuroimaging, and longitudinal approaches.

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Minnesota, 1994

Research Interests: Dr. Luciana investigates how substance use (e.g., cannabis, alcohol) and psychopathology affect neural circuits in adolescents and adults. Key areas include:

• Neurobiological mechanisms of executive control and motivational systems
• Longitudinal effects of adolescent cannabis use on brain development
• Clinical applications of neuroimaging in chronic pain management

Her work is funded by NIDA and NIAAA, and she co-leads the University of Minnesota site for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Consortium.

Achievements:

• Principal Investigator for the Neurobehavioral Impacts of Medical Cannabis on Chronic Pain study
• Site PI for ABCD Consortium collaboration with the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research

Labs/Teams: Brain and Behavioral Processes Laboratory at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, affiliated with the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research and the University of Minnesota Center for Neurobehavioral Development.