S. Alex Marshall

S. Alex Marshall is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) with an adjunct appointment at UNC-Chapel Hill's Psychology and Neuroscience Department.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Kentucky (2013)
• Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning from the University of Kentucky (2011)
• B.S. in Zoology from the University of Florida (2008)

Dr. Marshall's research centers on neuronal mechanisms of alcohol abuse, investigating both alcohol-induced brain damage and excessive consumption through behavioral and neurobiological approaches across life stages (adolescence to late adulthood). His lab specializes in neuroimmune responses, astrocytic GPCR signaling, and epigenetic changes in alcohol-related pathologies, with strong emphasis on identifying novel therapeutic targets for alcohol use disorders.

He leads multiple NIH-funded collaborative initiatives including PEAR-NC, ND-SURE, D-CARE, and GLIAL Scholars programs:

• U54AA030451: Astrocytic GPCR signaling in hippocampal alcohol responses
• R25DA059883/R25AA030409: Substance/alcohol research education with Duke University
• R25MH129791: Neuroscience training for URM master's students
• SC1GM139696: Astrocytic function in amygdala during alcohol abuse
• U01AA019925: Adolescent alcohol exposure effects on hippocampus

These grants support extensive undergraduate/graduate mentoring through structured research experiences, professional development, and cross-institutional collaborations with Duke and UNC. The Marshall Lab maintains active partnerships across the Research Triangle, focusing on translational approaches to alcohol use disorder treatment through neuroimmune and astrocytic mechanisms.