Principal Investigator:
Erik J. Garcia, PhD
My research lab is at the intersection of pharmacology, psychology, and neuroscience. My lab researches the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to compulsive drug consumption and substance use disorders. My research team and I use a variety of instrumental and Pavlovian conditioning models coupled with behavioral pharmacology experiments to illuminate how the brain changes (if it does) following illicit drug exposure. Our purpose is to discover and/or repurpose FDA-approved medications for the treatment of SUD. Our final aim is to use our data to drive empirically-informed drug policy with the simple goal to enhance recovery and motivate responsible drug consumption.
Graduate Students
Brandon Wallroff
Brandon joined the lab as a graduate student in the fall of 2024. He is interested in behavioral pharmacology and rodent models of reinforcement and philosophical principles
Undergraduate Students
Nour Alomari
Nour is an undergraduate studying Neuroscience. He joined Dr. Garcia's lab in January 2025 and is exploring various research areas within neuropharmacology. He plans to pursue a path in healthcare and is interested in the intersection of neuroscience and medicine
Gavin Brabec
Jade Escarsega
Jade is an undergraduate studying Neuroscience. She joined Dr. García’s lab in October of 2021. She plans on researching the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
Sara Herbolsheimer
Sara is a freshman who recently joined the lab and she is a neuroscience major on the premed track!
Lisa Johansen
Lisa is an undergraduate studying Neuroscience. She joined Dr. Garcia's lab in January 2023. She is examining the effects of psychedelic drugs on food consumption.
Chayse Kerzman
Chayse is an undergraduate studying Neuroscience. He joined Dr. Garcia's lab in June 2024. He plans to pursue graduate school in neuroscience and addiction biology
Jenna Kramer
Jenna is a Neuroscience major and is currently working on immunohistochemistry methods to uncover G protein-coupled receptor interactions in opioid withdrawal.
Ella Kirkpatrick
Ella is an undergraduate studying Neuroscience. She joined Dr. Garcia's lab in January 2024. She plans to pursue a healthcare career and is interested in psychedelic drugs and research
Tommy Stevens
Tommy joined the lab in January 2024. He is interested in a alternative measures of reward and behavior. He will be applying to medical school.
Chloe Wilen
Chloe is an undergraduate studying neuroscience with an interest in neurodegenerative disorders. She will be pursuing a career in medicine