Principle Investigator - Assistant Professor Department of Neurobiology at UAB | ORCID

Jasper obtained his M.Sc. from the VU University in Amsterdam, and his PhD from the Medical University of South Carolina in the lab of Dr. Peter Kalivas. Jasper has long been interested in the neural mechanisms underlying reward processing and it dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders. Aside from research, Jasper enjoys reading, cycling and playing guitar.

Postdoctoral Scholar | ORCID

Margareth joined the lab in February of 2024 as a Postdoctoral Fellow. She graduated in Science and Technology with emphasis in Neuroscience and completed her PhD at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil). Margareth has been interested in the mechanisms of action of psychedelic compounds as potential treatments for psychiatric disorders. She enjoys architecture, interior design, and cats.

Postdoctoral Fellow | ORCID

Abby joined the Heinsbroek Lab in the fall of 2024 after attaining her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at The University of Arizona under the mentorship of John Streicher (Ph.D.). Her dissertation focused on understudied compounds from Cannabis sativa for chronic pain management. She completed her Bc.S. in Molecular Neuroscience and B.A. in Theatre at North Central College. Abby's research revolves around the neurobiological intersections underlying addiction and pain. She is investigating psychedelics and psychedelic-like compounds for treating comorbid chronic pain and opioid use disorder using a combination of behavioral pharmacology and imaging. Outside of the lab, she loves to rock climb, hike, and find ways to go on adventures!

Graduate Student

Samantha joined the lab in January of 2024 as a graduate student. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a focus on biochemistry in 2022 and a Master of Forensic Science in 2024. Her master's thesis focused on validating a method to detect synthetic cannabinoids using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Samantha is a first-year Graduate Biomedical Sciences (GBS) student in the Pathobiology, Pharmacology, and Physiology (P3) theme. Her interests include neuropharmacology and electrophysiology. In her free time she likes to crochet and sew. 

Researcher III

Mary obtained her bachelors in Biological and Physical Science from Indiana University Kokomo, with minors in Biology and Chemistry. She is interested in using confocal microscopy to examine changes in neuronal structure and protein expression after exposure to drugs of abuse. In her spare time, Mary likes to read and hike in nature. 

Researcher III

Scott has been working at UAB since 2018, primarily dealing with mouse and rat colony management.  During that time, he has picked up whatever skills a research project required, helping with cryopreservation, blood collection, surgery, behavioral testing, genotyping, and day to day equipment ordering as needed.  He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Animal Sciences, and casually continues his education at UAB, taking courses which grab his interest.  He is an avid reader, fond of evening walks, and probably spends too much time on the computer. 

Masters Student

Emma joined the lab in August of 2025 as a Behavioral Neuroscience (BN) graduate student. She graduated from UAB with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2024. Her interests include the intersection between neuroplasticity and substance abuse recovery efficacy. After completion of her master's degree, she intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys baking and playing video games.

Masters Student

Adin joined the lab in August of 2025 as a Behavioral Neuroscience (BN) graduate student after earning a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Auburn University in May of 2025. Research interests include psychopharmacology, therapeutic uses of psychedelic, and substance use disorders. Adin either intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, or apply to medical school to become a psychiatrist or family doctor after completing the Master’s (BN) program. Outside of the lab, Adin enjoys composing music, exercising, and playing video games.

PostBac Research Assistant

Kurt received his Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, and two separate minors in Chemistry and Philosophy. He is interested in translational research in medicinal chemistry and neuropharmacology, and has been fascinated with the mechanisms of reward, memory, emotion, and addiction since he decided to pursue neuroscience at UAB. He has goals to matriculate into a Medical Scientist Training Program after college. Outside of academia, Kurt loves to golf, read, bike, weightlift, and debate with his friends.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Stephen is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Chemistry as well as a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences. He is interested in the neuroscience of psychiatric disorders and the use of neuropharmacology to modulate neural activity. In his free time, Stephen enjoys weightlifting, reading, and hiking.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Shelby is pursuing a bachelor's degree in neuroscience with a minor in chemistry. She is also a part of UAB’s accelerated master's program where she is studying biomedical sciences with a concentration in pharmacology. Her research interests include the neuropharmacology of psychedelic compounds and the underlying mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. In her free time, Shelby enjoys gardening, reading, and studying foreign languages. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Aisha joined the lab in Fall 2023 as an undergraduate research assistant. She is pursuing a B.S. in Applied Mathematics with a concentration in scientific computation and a minor in physics. Her research interests include the neurobiology of reinforcement learning and psychedelic phenomenology. Outside of lab, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, and running. 

PhD Student - University of Wisconsin Madison

Eliza joined the lab in June of 2024 as an NIH PREP Scholar. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2022, with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience. Her research interests include examining the mechanistic underpinnings of neurological disorders and motivational behavior. She will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison this fall to pursue her PhD in Neuroscience. She enjoys doing puzzles, playing video games, swimming, and using the Peloton in her free time!  Eliza has gone on to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience (Neuroscience Training Program) at the University of of Wisconsin Madison.