Paul Wellman

Paul Wellman is a Professor at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the Department of Neuroscience and the Institute for Neuroscience. His research focuses on behavioral pharmacology, particularly the role of ghrelin in nicotine and cocaine reinforcement, chronic nicotine effects on feeding patterns, and social influences on opiate effects in rodents. His work has been funded by NIDA and corporate sponsors like Thompson Medical Company and Knoll Pharmaceutical.

Research Interests:

• Behavioral pharmacology of ghrelin and opioids
• Neurobiological mechanisms of drug addiction
• Social environment impacts on opioid reward and dependence
• Rodent models of feeding behavior and addiction

Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes opioid efficacy comparisons (e.g., hydrocodone vs. morphine), social support effects on morphine dependence, and ghrelin receptor antagonism in pain modulation. Studies frequently use rodent models to explore addiction neurobiology and metabolic interactions with drugs.

Awards: No specific scientific awards listed, but sustained research funding highlights institutional recognition.

Advising & Grants: Collaborations include work with Jack Nation (NIDA grant) and S. Eitan on social opiate studies. Corporate partnerships support translational pharmacology research.

Labs/Teams: Active member of the Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, contributing to multidisciplinary addiction research initiatives.