Research Description
My current research focuses on behavioral pharmacology, behavioral toxicology, and neurobehavioral teratology. Research in my laboratory investigates the behavioral effects of abused drugs, particularly inhalants. My research is designed to understand why volatile organic solvents, such as toluene and nitrous oxide, are abused. I am also interested in the long term effects of repeated use of these volatile organic solvents. In collaboration with Dr. John Hannigan, we are developing a model of prenatal abuse of volatile organic solvents (e.g., toluene). Our research in neurobehavioral teratology includes animal models and clinical studies of the mechanisms, outcomes and treatment of the effects of prenatal exposure to toluene (Fetal Solvent Syndrome).