Neuroscience Faculty

Research focuses on understanding pharmacological mechanisms that subserve learning and executive function; interactions of decision making and behavioral flexibility; animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., drug addiction, schizophrenia).

Our current work is focused on identification of pro-cognitive drugs and their related pathways that are relevant for schizophrenia, examining hormonal/sex interactions with psychotropic medications, and understanding common mechanisms surrounding food reward and drug addiction (e.g., cannabinoids).

Rodefer, J.S., Nguyen, T.N., Karlson, J-J., & Arnt, J. (2008). Reversal of subchronic PCP-induced deficits in attentional set shifting in rats by sertindole and a 5-HT6 receptor antagonist: Comparison among antipsychotics. Neuropsychopharmacology, 33, 2657-2666.

Cincotta, S.L., Yorek, M.S., Moschak, T.M., Lewis, S.R. & Rodefer, J.S. (2008). Selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists:  Potential therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders with cognitive dysfunction. Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs, 9, 47-56.

Rodefer, J.S. & Nguyen, T.N. (2008). Naltrexone reverses age-induced cognitive deficits in rats. Neurobiology of Aging, 29, 309-313.

Rodefer, J. S. & Baxter, M. G.  (2007).Cognitive aging in rodents.  In D. R. Riddle (Ed.), Brain Aging: Models, Methods and Mechanisms. (pp 39-60), xix, 384 pp. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Ng, C-W, Noblejas, M.I., Rodefer, J.S., Smith, C.S., & Poremba, A. (2007). Double dissociation of attentional resources: Prefrontal versus cingulated cortices. Journal of Neuroscience. 27, 12123-12131.