Principal Investigator

Dr. Varodayan completed her B.A. in Biology/Biochemistry and her M.Sc. in Chemistry as a Vagelos Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania in 2007. She earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2013 from Columbia University where she investigated how alcohol harnesses canonical stress-induced transcriptional mechanisms to shape cortical synaptic activity under the mentorship of Dr. Neil Harrison. Dr. Varodayan then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratories of Dr. Marisa Roberto and Dr. Amanda Roberts at The Scripps Research Institute where she developed interests in how pro- and anti-stress systems regulate amygdala activity, and their contribution to the development of alcohol use disorder. Dr. Varodayan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center (DEARC) at Binghamton University. She is the first SUNY Chancellor’s Early-Career Scholar and was a SUNY PRODiG faculty member. Dr. Varodayan's research focuses on how neuropeptides, neuromodulators, and neuroimmune mediators influence cortical circuits and synapses to promote the cognitive deficits associated with anxiety, stress and alcohol use disorder. 

Email: fvaroday@binghamton.edu

Faculty Profile / CV / PubMed / Google Scholar

Postdoctoral Scientist

• Recipient of the Development and Neuroadaptations in Alcohol and Addiction (DNA2) Training Grant funded by NIAAA

Paige completed her B.Sc. in Psychology at University at Buffalo in 2017. She earned her M.Sc. in 2019 and her Ph.D. in 2023 from Binghamton University in Behavioral Neuroscience, where she focused on the interaction between chronic and adolescent alcohol use on the development of Alzheimer’s Disease from a neuroinflammatory perspective. Paige is interested in studying how early alcohol use impacts the neuroimmune system and stress response systems to promote a variety of disease states later in life, particularly in a sex-dependent manner. In her free time, Paige enjoys baking, swimming, and reading.

Graduate Student 

• Recipient of the following awards:

Development and Neuroadaptations in Alcohol and Addiction (DNA2) Training Grant funded by NIAAA

Dissertation Year Fellowship (2025-2026)

Andi received her at B.S. in Integrative Neuroscience at Binghamton University in 2021. She is interested in studying how the effects of alcohol dependence on behaviors and neurocircuitry are influenced by confounding factors such as sex and age, with a current focus on astrocytes. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts and being an active member of the BTS ARMY fandom. 

Graduate Student 

• Recipient of the following awards:

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) 

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE)

John L. Fuller Memorial Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research in Psychobiology

Summer Scholars and Artists Program (SSAP) 

Undergraduate Conference Presentation Fund (UCPF) 

Marcis received his B.S. in Integrative Neuroscience at Binghamton University in 2023. He is interested in studying how alcohol circuitry and associated behaviors are impacted as a result of other relevant neuropsychological impairments, such as stress and anxiety. Moreover, how this framework is influenced by underlying factors such as sex to serve a wider clinical population. In Marcis' free time, he enjoys obsessing over Survivor and other social-strategy reality competition shows, watching movies, and exploring/hiking in nature.

Graduate Student 

• Recipient of the Harpur First Year Award 

Jeri earned her B.S. in Biochemistry from De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila and her MS in Forensic Science in Northumbria University, UK. She is currently investigating the interaction between binge alcohol drinking and acute stress and their involvement in the neuroimmune pathways in the medial prefrontal cortex. With this project, she is interested in understanding the possible translational mechanisms that will lead to therapeutic options to reduce alcohol use severity. In her free time, she likes to go for runs and indoor rock climbing (sport climbing, top rope, or bouldering!).

Graduate Student in Werner lab, co-mentored by Dr. Varodayan

Peter received his B.S. in Integrative Neuroscience at Binghamton University in 2021. He is interested in studying how withdrawal from chronic adolescent binge ethanol exposures affects central amygdala function and how it relates to social behavior, with a focus on the vasopressin system. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, watching reality T.V., and spending time with his cats.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Camryn is a Senior double majoring in Psychology & Political Science with a minor in French. She joined the Varodayan lab to expand her research abilities within the field of neuroscience, while also acquiring new knowledge relating to AUD and ethanol dependence. She is also interested in uncovering more effective treatments for those struggling with AUD. In her free time, she likes to play sports, spend time with friends & family, and relax while listening to music/watching Netflix. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

• Recipient of the Summer Scholars and Artists Program (SSAP) Award

Iman is a Senior majoring in Integrative Neuroscience on the pre-med track. She joined the Varodayan Lab to explore the ramifications of alcohol dependency and disorders on the neural systems, specifically the medial prefrontal cortex, and psychiatric diseases. She is also interested in the ability to develop innovative treatment strategies to aid those that are struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder. In her free time she enjoys reading, working out, and watching horror movies.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

• Recipient of the Summer Scholars and Artists Program (SSAP) Award

Misha is a Senior at Binghamton University majoring in Integrative Neuroscience on the pre-med track. She joined the Varodayan Lab because she's interested in learning about the neurobiology behind AUD to prevent relapses in patients. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time with friends.   

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Greg is a Senior majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-med track. He joined the Varodayan Lab to understand how alcohol and stress alter neurobiological mechanisms and affect cognitive health. He wants to contribute to the development of therapeutic options to treat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and to reduce the likelihood of relapse. In his free time, Greg enjoys spending time with family and friends, bowling, and hiking/being outdoors.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Christina is a Junior majoring in Integrative Neuroscience. She joined the Varodayan Lab to understand the relationship between alcohol and stress on neuroimmunology. Christina is interested in improving health and education resources for marginalized communities and is a dedicated mental health advocate. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and solving puzzles. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Gisele is a Junior majoring in Integrative Neuroscience on the pre-med track. She joined the Varodayan lab to gain more research experience in the neuroscience field, both in the behavioral and pharmacological aspects. She is interested in finding effective medications for AUD and how chronic ethanol consumption can lead to psychiatric disease through alterations in gene expression and brain mechanisms. Aside from academics, she is involved in Binghamton's community service a capella group and the Phi Mu panhellenic organization.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Penny is a Junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Anthropology. She wanted to join the Varodayan lab to expand her research knowledge and experience, and to find effective ways to prevent and treat AUD. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and yoga.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

• Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program Scholar 

Natalia is a Junior majoring in Integrative Neuroscience. She joined the Varodayan Lab because she is interested in learning the neurobiology systems involved in AUD and how to help those affected by it. In her free time she enjoys watching movies, reading, and playing video games. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Ellery is a Sophomore majoring in Integrative Neuroscience on the pre-med track. She joined the Varodayan Lab because she's interested in researching the underlying neurological causes of AUD and learning how to develop treatments to prevent relapses in those affected. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing bass in orchestra, and spending time with friends.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

• Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program Scholar 

Chelsey is a Sophomore majoring in Integrative Neuroscience. She joined the Varodayan lab to expand her knowledge of AUD and preventative methods. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and playing tennis.