Susanne Brummelte

Susanne Brummelte is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Wayne State University, where she also serves as the Chair of the Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Area. Her research is centered on developmental neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, and behavioral neuroscience, with a particular emphasis on the effects of early adverse life experiences on brain development and subsequent behavioral outcomes.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of British Columbia and Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada (2007–2012)
• Dr. rer. nat (Ph.D. equivalent), Biology, University of Bielefeld, Germany (2007)
• Diplom (M.Sc. equivalent), Biology, University of Bielefeld, Germany (2004)

Research Interests:

Her lab investigates the consequences of exposure to depression, stress, or opioids during pregnancy or the postpartum period and how these factors affect brain neurochemistry and stress responsivity later in life. Using rats as the primary animal model, her team explores the impact of early pain exposure and medications such as antidepressants or treatments for opioid use disorder on brain development and maternal behavior.

Research Collaborations:

Dr. Brummelte collaborates with several researchers including Drs. Shane Perrine, Scott Bowen, Justin Kenney, Pat Mueller, Carolyn Herrington, Kelly Bosse, and Hilary Marusak.

Recent Publications and Research Trends:

Her recent work, supported by NIH grants, focuses on understanding the effects of opioid exposure during gestation on maternal and offspring outcomes. Her publications span topics from the impact of prenatal cannabis exposure on child brain connectivity to the role of maternal care in moderating the effects of gestational opioid exposure.

Courses Taught:

• PSY7991 - Current Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience
• PSY8440 - Developmental Neuropsychology
• PSY3380 - Human Sexuality
• PSY3120 - Brain and Behavior

Laboratory and Research Facilities:

Her laboratory is equipped for behavioral testing, neuropharmacology, neuroendocrinology, immunohistochemistry, and ELISAs, enabling comprehensive investigations into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying early life adversity.