Robert Wheeler

Robert Wheeler is Professor in Biomedical Sciences at Marquette University, holding Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Penn State University and postdoctoral training at University of North Carolina. Research examines neural circuits underlying emotional processing, motivation, and behavioral disorders including addiction and obesity.

Teaches graduate courses in Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience and Medical/Dental Pharmacology. Current projects investigate how adverse experiences alter dopamine signaling patterns and how these neuroadaptations promote maladaptive behaviors.

38 publications demonstrate consistent focus on stress-addiction interactions, with recent work (2021-2025) characterizing aversion-induced dopamine dynamics in substance use contexts. Methodologies integrate electrophysiology, neurochemistry, and behavioral analysis.

Leads research laboratory including Research Assistant Professor Dan Wheeler, Ph.D., graduate students Elaine Grafelman and Bridgitte Cote, and technician Lisa Vlach.