Noelle Anastasio

Noelle Anastasio is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Her research focuses on neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying impulsivity and addiction, with particular emphasis on serotonin and glutamate signaling pathways. She holds a PhD from UTMB (2009) and an MS (2003) and BA (2001) from the University of Texas at Austin.

Her work investigates the role of corticostriatal circuitry in behavioral disinhibition, using multi-disciplinary approaches including biochemistry, gene delivery systems, and behavioral models. Key interests include serotonin 5-HT2A/2C receptor interactions, NMDA receptor subunit dynamics, and the molecular underpinnings of cocaine and opioid use disorders.

Anastasio leads grants from the NIH and McManus Charitable Trust, focusing on neuromolecular drivers of addiction vulnerability. Her lab explores therapies targeting serotonin-glutamate convergence to address impulsive behaviors associated with substance use and binge-eating disorders.