Ellie Heckscher
We study the development, function and evolution of somatosensory and motor systems using insect larvae as models.
We study the development, function and evolution of somatosensory and motor systems using insect larvae as models.
My long-term research interest is to understand mechanisms underlying drug addiction and to find possible treatment. We use behavioral, genetic, anatomical and molecular biological methods. One major research project is to identify mechanisms and neuronal circuits associated with reconsolidation and extinction of cocaine-induced reward memory. Another project is to develop a novel method of using skin stem cells to deliver therapeutic genes to combat the abuse of cocaine, ethanol, nicotine, opioids and their co-abuse.