Meet the Faculty

Charly Abi-Ghanem, Ph.D.  How do white matter changes affect different neurological disorders? We focus on how oligodendrocytes and myelin are affected in neurodegenerative diseases especially in combination of risk factors such as sex, aging, genetics, and others. We use in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo cellular, molecular, and behavioral techniques to investigate the role of oligodendrocytes in normal development, aging, and in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). 

Current graduate students:  None

Recruiting for Fall 2026?  Yes

How does early life environment influence mood and developing addictive behaviors?  Focuses on how early life experiences influence offspring development and subsequent physiology and behavior. We use a whole-organism approach to delineate epigenetic mechanisms by which early life experiences influence the neuroendocrine system, brain and behavior.  

Visit my faculty profile and website

Current graduate students:  none

Recruiting for Fall 2026?  No

How do stress and alcohol impact overall brain health across the lifespan?  Examines the impact of external threats (stress, alcohol), focusing on the interplay between neuroendocrine systems and neuroinflammation.  Our studies emphasize developmental vulnerabilities, including studies on how adolescent binge drinking (in rodent models), influence the progression of aging-associated changes in neuroinflammation, neurovascular integrity, and the development of Alzheimer's-related pathology.  

Visit my faculty profile and lab website

Current graduate students:  Sarah Trapp, Ashley Lutzke, Daniella Geraci

Recruiting for Fall 2026?   Yes

How does the brain represent the world around us?  Studies neural coding in sensory systems, using the taste system as a model. We have two lines of research: First, through electrophysiological recordings in the brainstem of awake rats, we study temporal coding of taste stimuli. Second, we study the effects of obesity and dieting on the neural code for taste in the brainstem.  

Watch my video, visit my faculty profile, and follow me @patdilorenzo 

Current graduate students:  none

Recruiting for Fall 2026?  No

How does stress exposure during adolescence increases the risk of developing addictive behaviors? Studies specific neuronal circuits that underlie both affective and addictive disorders. We use a combination of optogenetics, fast scan cyclic voltammetry and behavioral methods to examine changes in synaptic proteins and identify potential therapeutic targets. The overarching goal of our research program is to help develop evidence-based therapeutic interventions for addictive behaviors.  

Visit my faculty profile and lab website, and follow me @TheKarkhanisLab

Current graduate students:  Gavin Vaughan, Madison Heitkamp, Abigail Kelley

Recruiting for Fall 2026?  Yes

How does brain function and structure change following damage? Studies how the brain adapts following neurodegeneration, including alcohol-related brain damage, with an emphasis on learning and memory. Utilizing viral techniques to map and manipulate cell-specific circuits, we reveal how experience sculpts brain connections and function. Understanding neural reorganization after damage will help devise effective therapeutics to treat neurological diseases.  

Visit my faculty profile and lab website.

Current graduate students:  Matthew Fecik, Emily Kerr, Adeline Roy

Recruiting for Fall 2026?  Yes

How do CNS insults alter late brain maturation? Explores the interaction of molecular targets that play a role in CNS depressant activity.  We employ a variety of cellular and biochemical approaches coupled to animal models and behavior. Our goal is to gain insight as to why adolescent exposure is a major contributor to substance use disorders.  

Visit my faculty profile

Current graduate students:  Peter Penta, Sofia Lopes, Danielle Stern

Recruiting for Fall 2026?  No