Adam Smith

I have a broad background in neuroscience and pharmacology, with specific training and expertise in cellular and systems analysis of neuroendocrinological mechanisms of stress, learning and memory, and social behavior. In particular, my scientific interests encompass the role of signaling peptides on regulating the (1) formation and maintain of close relationships and lasting memories and (2) bi-directional relationship between stress and sociality. I have the experience and expertise to conduct behavioral assessments on animal behavior and cognition, including memory tasks, anxiety, depression, and social behavior. In addition, I have extensive experience with measuring protein concentrations and gene expression in a multitude of species from numerous biological samples and preparations. The long-term goal of this research is to deconstruct the neurobiology of sociality (including social memory, affiliation, and preference) and develop novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of social and emotional disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and depression. In my collaboration with Dr. Jackob Moskovitz, we have developed bio-behavioral assessments of neurodegeneration and cognitive and behavioral decline associated with Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) within a AD mouse model.

Publications

February 2019