Research Associate

Laboratory of Biology of Addictive Diseases

The Rockefeller University (New York, NY)

Mary Jeanne Kreek

The primary focus is the development and use of novel methods of sample preparation and mass spectrometric analysis of neuropeptides, using in vivo rodent models, with an eye towards applications in the study of drug addiction.

I currently have multiple related projects, all focusing on neuropeptides of interest in the field of drug addictions. I have straddled the laboratories of Mary Jeanne Kreek and Brian T. Chait at The Rockefeller University, two world reknowned experts in drug addiction and mass spectrometry, respectively. Having successfully developed methodology to investigate extracellular processing of neuropeptides, with a novel combination of microdialysis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, we have applied this to the study of the processing of the opioid peptides in the striatum of rats. Currently, I am pushing to detect endogenous levels of multiple targeted neuropeptides, using microdialysis for the investigation of extracellular levels, as well as in CSF and plasma. On a different thrust, I have been working with Roberto Picetti, also in the Kreek laboratory, to develop and apply techniques of chromatin immunoprecipitation to questions of epigenetics in heroin self-administering rats.

1995 SURF - Vassar College

2004-2006 Gary R. Helman Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

1996 Jeffrey Chase Memorial Prize for Outstanding Senior Student in Chemistry

1996 American Chemical Society (Mid-Hudson Section) Award for Undergraduate Research

1996-2000 George W. Woodruff Graduate Fellowship

1995 American Chemical Society Award for Analytical Chemistry

1995 Olive M. Lammert Prize for Outstanding Student in Physical Chemistry