Dr. Karla R. Kaun's lab investigates how alcohol affects the brain's reward circuits, particularly in comparison to natural rewards like sugar. By studying the simpler nervous system of fruit flies (Drosophila), the lab aims to uncover the cellular and molecular processes that lead to changes in reward perception and motivation due to alcohol consumption. This research could provide insights into the mechanisms behind addiction and maladaptive behavior related to alcohol and other rewards.

Dr. Matthew Nassar's lab at Brown University investigates how the brain helps people adjust their behavior in response to changes in their environment. Specifically, the lab examines how arousal, mainly influenced by a system in the brain called locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC/NE), affects behavioral flexibility. This research has important implications for understanding and treating psychiatric disorders where individuals struggle to adapt to new or stressful situations. By using advanced techniques like fMRI and computational modeling, the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive these behaviors in different individuals.

Dr. Alexander Fleischmann's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding the identities and functions of different neural cell types in the olfactory cortex, which is important for odor perception and memory. His research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms and gene regulatory networks responsible for cell type specification during development. This work will enhance our knowledge of how the brain processes sensory information and contributes to memory.