Emily Jutkiewicz, Ph.D.

My research program focuses on investigating the developmental and neurobiological mechanisms of addiction and psychiatric disorders through the utilization of behavioral and pharmacological approaches. One branch of my research investigates delta opioid receptor pharmacology and its potential as a therapeutic target for treating depression and drug abuse. The second branch of my current research investigates the long-term consequences of exposure to drugs of abuse during adolescence in rodents. Considering addiction is a disease most often initiated during adolescence, this approach may improve our understanding of addiction and assist in the development of novel pharmacotherapies and treatments.