Rodrigo España

Rodrigo España is a Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine. His research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying motivated behavior, sleep, and substance abuse, particularly the role of hypocretin/orexin, dopamine, and norepinephrine systems. Spaina holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin, with postdoctoral training at Harvard University and Wake Forest University Health Sciences.

Education:

• PhD in Neurobiology, University of Wisconsin
• Postdoctoral Training: Harvard University (hypocretin neuron afferents), Wake Forest School of Medicine (hypocretin and cocaine reinforcement)

Research Interests: Dr. España investigates how hypocretin/orexin, dopamine, and norepinephrine regulate arousal, stress, and drug reinforcement. Techniques include fast scan cyclic voltammetry, optogenetics, fiber photometry, and chemogenetic tools like DREADDs. His work bridges basic neuroscience with translational studies on addiction and sleep disorders.

Key Grant Themes: Recent projects examine sleep disturbances in cocaine abstinence, hypocretin-kappa opioid receptor antagonists for substance use disorders, and dopamine signaling in addiction relapse. These efforts highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and treating addiction.

Awards:

• Julian Marsh Faculty Scholar Award (2024)
• Mid-career Basic Science Investigator Award (2023)

Advising & Lab: Supervises PhD candidates (Samels, Cohen, Bashford) and collaborates with institutions like Hager Biosciences and the University at Buffalo. His lab emphasizes translational research, including tissue-engineered axon repair for Parkinson’s disease and preclinical drug development.