The Neuroimaging of Reward Dynamics (NiRD) Lab aims to characterize neural mechanisms related to dopaminergic-reward system dysfunction, such as substance use. We take an interdisciplinary approach and utilize a variety of techniques that include clinical interviews, physiological measures, cognitive testing, neuroimaging (EEG, MRI), neuromodulation (HDtdCS, taVNS) and genetic analysis.
Our projects take a multivariate approach that (1) defines the neural mechanisms that underlie behavioral phenomenology, then, (2) determines the individual variability that modulate these mechanisms. Our studies culminate in >800 well-characterized individuals across various populations across the lifespan.
We have several established U.S. and international collaborations including the Imaging Data in Emerging Adults with Addiction (IDEAA) Consortium (https://www.uwmbrainlab.com/research/ideaa-grant) and ENIGMA Addiction (https://www.enigmaaddictionconsortium.com).
Our current studies examine the following topics:
- Observing the neurobiological effects of prescribed medical cannabis in adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder using MRI
- Evaluating the efficacy of group motivational interviewing in reducing underage drinking behaviors using MRI
- Characterizing the differences in motivations, expectancies and usage patterns in people who use cannabis for recreational vs. medicinal purposes.
Importance of Our Research