Nathan Cramer

Nathan Cramer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research explores the neurobiological mechanisms of chronic pain and its modulation by stress, utilizing rodent models and advanced neurophysiological techniques.

Education:

• BS in Physics from University of Maryland College Park (2001)
• PhD in Neuroscience from University of Maryland School of Medicine (2007)
• Postdoctoral Study at Cornell University (2009)
• Postdoctoral Study at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (2013)

His research focuses on the parabrachial nucleus (PB), a brain region critical to the affective aspect of pain. He investigates how neuromodulators like noradrenaline alter nociceptive processing in PB and how stress exacerbates chronic pain. Techniques include optogenetics, fiber photometry, and in vivo/in vitro electrophysiology.

Recent publications highlight his work on neural circuits, molecular mechanisms, and stress-pain interactions. Key areas include perinatal opioid exposure impacts, descending pain modulation, and PB hyperexcitability in chronic pain. Studies span behavioral, molecular, and electrophysiological analyses in rodent models.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards mentioned

Grants:

• University of Maryland Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research Seed Grant (2022)
• NINDS R01NS127827 (co-PI with Dr. Radi Masri, 2023)

Collaborations: Cramer collaborates with Dr. Alan Keller and Dr. Maria Luisa S. E. Lobo, employing techniques like RNAscope, calcium imaging, and electrophysiology to study chronic pain and stress interactions.