Principal Investigator:
CHARLOTTE A. BOETTIGER*, PhD
*Pronunciation: [bä-‘ti-gər]
\ä\ as o in mop
\i\ as i in hit
\ər\ as ur/er in further
PhD: University of California, San Francisco (Neuroscience)
BA: University of California, Berkeley (Integrative Biology)
FACULTY MEMBER OF:
|
Dr. Boettiger is no longer accepting graduate students.
E-MAIL: CAB@UNC.EDU
|
Postdoctoral fellowS:
Elena Vidrascu, Ph.D.
PhD: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Behavioral and Integrative Neuroscience)
MA: Wake Forest University (Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology)
BS: Bucknell University (Neuroscience)
E-mail: elena91@live.unc.edu
Elena’s research consists of data-driven secondary analysis of a recently finished 5-year study investigating neurocognitive differences between adults with and without a history of adolescent binge drinking. She uses MatLab and clpipe to process and analyze fMRI data prior to probing the relationships between excitatory/inhibitory balance in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, functional connectivity, task-basked brain activity, and deficits in behavioral flexibility (using the RDAB and HABIT tasks).
Aside from research, Elena enjoys playing tennis, reading, board games, and spending time with her husband Tanner, cat Maple, and dog Ella.
Georgia Kirkpatrick, Ph.D.
PhD: University of Wyoming (Biomedical Sciences w/emphasis in Neuro)
BS: University of Wyoming (Psychology w/concentration in cognition)
E-mail: georgia.kirkpatrick@wsu.edu
Georgia’s work focuses on exploring the behavioral and physiological mechanisms linked to alcohol use in (both during periods of critical development and current use) that contribute to altered decision making and individual risk of experiencing blackout with an emphasis on translational science. She uses resting state EEG to explore the relationship between the prefrontal cortex and the primary motor cortex as well as immunohistochemistry to probe the mechanistic underpinnings of adolescent alcohol exposure in the basal forebrain and prefrontal cortex.
In her off time, Georgia enjoys blues and belly dancing, hiking, creating art, swimming, live music, paddleboarding, and spending time with her family, friends, and cat Lunatic.
Graduate Students:
Jillian Battista, M.A.
Graduate student in the Behavioral & Integrative Neuroscience program
BS: Penn State University (Biobehavioral Health)
MA: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Psychology)
E-mail: jillian.battista@unc.edu
Jillian’s research is focused on exploring the behavioral and physiological mechanisms linking alcohol use (both currently and in adolescence) to accelerated brain aging using machine learning and structural MRI brain images. She uses computational methods, such as brainageR, which is executed through Longleaf and implemented in R. She is also the wet lab safety supervisor for the CAB Lab.
Outside of research, Jillian enjoys spending time with friends, running, hiking, and relaxing with her cat, Roo.
Grace Elliott, M.A.
Graduate student in the Behavioral & Integrative Neuroscience program
BS: Boston College (Psychology)
MA: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Psychology)
E-mail: gelliott@unc.edu
Gracie’s work focuses on identifying the factors that contribute to an individual’s risk of experiencing alcohol-induced blackouts. She uses resting-state EEG and non-invasive neurostimulation to explore the relationship between neurophysiology, alcohol use, and history of alcohol-induced blackout.
Outside of the lab, Gracie’s interests include running, reality television, trivia, and her cat Mindy.
Pari Dhayagude, B.S.
Graduate student in the Behavioral & Integrative Neuroscience program
BS: University of California, Davis (Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior)
E-mail: pdhaya@unc.edu
Pari’s research focuses on using neuroimaging techniques (MRI) to investigate the relationship between alcohol use, aging, and impulsive behavior. She is also working on a multi-visit study using fMRI, EEG, and tACS to investigate frontal E/I signaling in mediating the relationship between alcohol use and behavioral inflexibility.
In her free time, you can find her on a hike, reading a good book, or baking dessert.
Ehi Okojie, B.S.
Graduate student in the Behavioral & Integrative Neuroscience program
BS: The Ohio State University (Psychology)
E-mail: okojieehi@gmail.com
Ehi is interested in using neuroimaging techniques to further understand the relationship between substance use disorders and aspects of executive functioning and goal-oriented behavior. He would like to contribute to the scientific literature in a way that informs better treatment for those with substance use disorders and also helps us better understand/improve executive functioning in all people.
In his free time Ehi likes to play basketball, workout, explore the area, and learn new things.
Undergraduate Research Assistants:
Celine Locklear
Senior Undergraduate student
Currently, Celine is studying how binge drinking during adolescence can affect behavioral flexibility. This research aims to understand how excessive alcohol consumption during critical developmental periods may impact the ability to adapt to changing environments and tasks later in life. By examining the neurological and psychological effects, In hope to uncover insights that could inform prevention and intervention strategies for adolescents.
In her spare time, she serves in many leadership roles within her sorority. Celine also enjoy attending games with her friends.
Saakshi Patel
Sophomore Undergraduate student
Neuroscience and Information Science B.S. with a Chemistry Minor
Saakshi is interested in learning how substance use disorders affect behaviors and functions using neuroimaging techniques. Through this research, she hope to find more affordable treatments and preventative measures for substance use disorders.
In her free time, Saakshi likes to cook, take walks, and watch romance movies.
Ellie Thomas
Junior Undergraduate student
Psychology B.S. with a Neuroscience minor
Ellie enjoys reading, playing soccer, and trying new coffee spots!
Jake Schattin
Junior Undergraduate student
Jake is currently helping out Gracie in her independent TMS alcohol study. His primary research interests include drug addiction disorders and their effects on the central nervous system, as well as cognitive neuroscience and memory disorders.
Between research and classes, Jake enjoys reality TV and is president Survivor at Carolina, and also likes playing poker, the piano, and trying new foods.
Post-bacc Research Assistants: