Natashia Swalve

Natashia Swalve serves as Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Grand Valley State University, specializing in Behavioral Neuroscience. She teaches core undergraduate courses including PSY 101 (Introductory Psychology) and PSY 330 (Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience), contributing to both Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience degree programs within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Education

• B.A. in Psychology from Winona State University
• M.A. in Psychology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Ph.D. in Psychology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Research Profile

Dr. Swalve's research employs preclinical models to investigate vulnerabilities in drug addiction, with emphasis on psychiatric comorbidities and environmental influences. Current projects examine schizophrenia-tobacco addiction interactions (analyzing antipsychotic and tobacco chemical effects), cannabinoid impacts on food motivation (THC/CBD mechanisms), and media exposure effects on fear perceptions regarding drugs, gun violence, and terrorism through interdisciplinary collaboration with mass communication researchers. Her methodology integrates behavioral pharmacology, meta-analysis, and social survey techniques.

Publication Trends

Her 2016-2021 publications reveal interdisciplinary convergence across neuroscience (60%), media studies (25%), and educational psychology (15%). Key trends include translational addiction research using rodent models, media framing of drug policy issues, and evidence-based educational interventions for STEM anxiety. The work consistently bridges laboratory findings with societal implications, particularly regarding public perception of drug-related risks and therapeutic interventions.

Research Infrastructure

Dr. Swalve maintains active preclinical research facilities in Au Sable Hall for rodent behavioral studies, focusing on drug self-administration, vocalization analysis, and anxiety modeling. Her collaborative network includes mass communication scholars for media studies projects and cross-institutional neuroscience researchers for meta-analytic work, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary engagement despite no formal lab name being specified.