The Department of Psychology and the Cognitive Behavioral Sciences (CBS) Colloquium Series will present a talk titled, “Imbalances in brain maturation and their role in adolescent-typical behavior and the consequences of amphetamine abuse,” with Joshua Gulley, Ph.D. at 2 p.m. Friday, April 7, in 48 DeGarmo Hall. Gulley is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Abstract
Compared to adults, adolescents who use drugs are more likely to develop substance use disorders. The reason for this is multifaceted, but the characteristic features of motivated behavior in adolescents—including heightened risk taking and reduced impulse control—likely contribute to their heightened vulnerability.
Work on both humans and laboratory animals has established that neuronal signaling in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens is critical for self-regulatory behaviors, and imbalances in the functional maturation of the PFC relative to the accumbens may play a critical role in adolescent-typical behavior as well as in the consequences of drug use during this time of life. In this talk, I will discuss our studies that have used a rat model of adolescence to explore this hypothesis in measures of brain function and behavior.
A printable PDF flyer for this colloquium is available on the Department of Psychology website.
CBS Colloquium Series
The CBS Colloquium Series brings high caliber researchers to the Illinois State University campus to share their work with the local academic community. Individual faculty members invite speakers to campus based on their interests. The Department of Psychology also invites alumni to speak in the series in an effort to maintain strong connections with former students and provide them with a chance to pass on their knowledge to current students. The series provides both faculty and students with a variety of professional development opportunities and allows students to network with professionals in their field of study.
This speaker series is sponsored by the Department of Psychology. To support the Department of Psychology and help enhance its educational mission with advanced teaching methods, guest speakers, and more opportunities for students to learn through research experiences, please consider making a gift to the department through the Illinois State University Foundation.
If you need a special accommodation to participate in this program, call the Department of Psychology at (309) 439-8651. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
