![lab](https://people.clas.ufl.edu/knack/files/lab-photo-300x233.jpg)
GRADUATE STUDENTS
![javier](https://people.clas.ufl.edu/knack/files/Javier-225x300.jpeg)
Javier is a third year Ph.D. student. His research analyzes glutamatergic projections underlying cue-primed cocaine relapse. He is trained in immunohistochemistry, fluorescent microscopy, and cocaine self-administration extinction reinstatement model of relapse. Javier enjoys hiking, trivia, and poker.
![courtney](https://people.clas.ufl.edu/knack/files/courtney-pipetting-240x300.jpg)
Courtney is a second-year graduate student. Her research will utilize the behavioral economic demand theory in addiction to assess the reinforcing efficacy of opiates in rats with PTSD-like symptoms. Using microdialysis and HPLC, Courtney plans to further explore the neurobiological differences in glutamate, serotonin, and dopamine levels in resilient and stress-susceptible rats in the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus.
UNDERGRADUATES
![giselle](https://people.clas.ufl.edu/knack/files/Giselle-poster-300x175.jpeg)
Giselle is an undergraduate student who entered the lab in June 2019. Her first project was to investigate the effects of systemically-administered oxytocin on nucleus accumbens glutamate and dopamine levels. Giselle is also investigating the circuitry involved in mediating cued cocaine-seeking after forced and voluntary abstinence. Giselle is funded by the MARC GatorSTAR program, a NIGMS funded T34 for undergraduate students planning to pursue a PhD in biomedical or behavioral science.