Our lab investigates the impact of early life stress on aggression, with a particular emphasis on uncovering the underlying neural mechanisms. While it is well established that early life stress can predict aggressive behavior in adulthood, the exact neural pathways connecting stress and aggression remain elusive.
We aim to illuminate these mechanisms by examining the neurocircuitry of stress-induced chronic aggression using a comprehensive suite of advanced biological tools and techniques. Our methodologies include animal behavior studies, viral vectors, electrophysiology, chemogenetics, optogenetics, fiber photometry, and pharmacological interventions. Through our research, we strive to unravel the complex interactions between stress and aggression at the neural level, paving the way for the identification of new therapeutic targets.
Our dedicated team of experienced researchers brings a diverse array of backgrounds and expertise, united by a shared passion for understanding how stress influences maladaptive social behavior. We are committed to making significant contributions to the field of stress and aggression research and to enhancing the broader scientific understanding of these intricate behaviors.
We are enthusiastic about sharing our findings with the scientific community and engaging in collaborative research efforts that advance our knowledge of this critical topic. Thank you for visiting our website. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or inquiries.
Lab News
We are thrilled to announce that our second NIH grant was awarded to study the neural mechanisms of learned aggression! There are many people to thank for this milestone, but I would like to highlight the contributions of Magdalene Adjei, Elana Qasem, Savannah Skinner, and our collaborator Dr. Ben Richardson. We look forward to sharing the results of this research with the scientific community. Congratulations team!!
A big welcome to Mikaela Aholt, who will be joining our lab as a master student! Learn about her in our people’s tab!
A formal welcome to Haresh Kittu, who has joined the lab as an undergraduate researcher! Check him out on our People's tab!
Our latest paper (8th for the lab) was just accepted for publication!! Another impressive team effort.
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Thank you to SIU School of Medicine for awarding us the 2024 Research Seed Grant!!
Thank you to The Southern Illinoisian for featuring our work!
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Thank you to WPSD local 6 for showcasing our research on last nights broadcast!
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We got press! See at the link
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Congratulations to Elana Qasem for winning the Emma Smith Hough Library Research Scholarship Award!
Congratulations to Nooshin Mojahed on receiving the Florence M. Foote Physiology Scholarship!
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Contact
Jacob C. Nordman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
618-453-7162
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
1135 Lincoln Dr.
Life Sciences, Rm 2071, MC 6512
Carbondale, IL 62903