The Varodayan Lab
Investigating the synaptic mechanisms and neurocircuitry underlying alcohol use disorder and comorbid neuropsychiatric diseases
Florence P. Varodayan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
Behavioral Neuroscience Program
Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center
Contact Information
Office: Science 4, Room 372
Phone: 607-777-4327
Email: fvaroday@binghamton.edu
Education
Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2013-2019
The Scripps Research Institute, CA
Advisors: Marisa Roberto, Ph.D.
& Amanda J. Roberts, Ph.D.
Graduate Studies, 2007-2013
Ph.D. in Neurobiology & Behavior
Columbia University, NY
Advisor: Neil L. Harrison, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Studies*, 2003-2007
B.A. in Biochemistry & B.A. in Biology
Vagelos Scholar Honors Program
University of Pennsylvania, PA
*Also received a M.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania (2005-2007)
Current Funding
R21, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism. The goal of this project is to investigate how IL-1β regulates adult cortical synapses in early withdrawal and protracted abstinence, and whether its dysfunction mediates alcohol-induced cognitive impairment.
DEARC Pilot Project, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism. The goal of this project is to investigate the long-lasting impact of adolescent alcohol exposure on cognitive function and clarify the underlying IL-1 signaling mechanisms
Completed Funding
R00 Pathway to Independence Award, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism. The goal of this project is to investigate how alcohol dependence induces noradrenergic neuroadaptations that dysregulate infralimbic control of the central amygdala, and whether this circuit mediates withdrawal-induced alcohol drinking and anxiety-like behavior.
Selected Awards and Honors
Symposium Chair, Research Society on Alcoholism Annual Meeting, Bellevue (2023)
Young Investigator Award, International Congress on Alcoholism & Stress in Volterra, Italy (2020)
Young Investigator Travel Award, Winter Conference on Brain Research (2019)
Symposium Chair, Winter Conference on Brain Research, Snowmass, CO (2019)
Hot Topic Talk, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Meeting (2018)
Symposium Chair, Research Society on Alcoholism Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA (2018)
Harry June ACNP Travel Award, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (2017)
Young Investigator Award, Association of Alcohol Researchers of Indian Origin (2017)
Enoch Gordis Research Recognition Award Finalist, Research Society on Alcoholism (2016)
Symposium Chair, Research Society on Alcoholism Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX (2015)
Third International Congress on Alcoholism and Stress Travel Award, Volterra, Italy (2014)
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