Dr. Nancy Badia-Elder
Assistant Scientist
Office: LD 151
Phone: (317) 278-1815
Email: nbadiael@iupui.edu
B.A. 1990, Fort Hays State University
M.S. 1992, Kansas State University
Ph.D. 1995, Kansas State University (Behavioral Neuroscience)
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Areas of Specialization: Behavioral genetics, Behavioral pharmacology, Behavioral neuroendocrinology.
"My research areas of interest are in behavioral genetics including both behavioral and neurochemical factors associated with ingestive behaviors as they relate to alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Major focus has been on 1) the behavioral reaction to the taste of alcohol, and 2) the role of neuropeptides (neuropeptide Y and opioids) in mediating the reinforcing, anxiolytic and aversive properties of alcohol. We have shown, using the taste reactivity test, that the taste of alcohol becomes a secondary reinforcer for animals that have experience with alcohol drinking and that opiate antagonists attenuate the reinforcing aspects of the taste. We are currently conducting studies to determine the role of neuropeptide Y in mediating high alcohol drinking behavior. Many of these studies have been conducted using rats selectively bred for high and low alcohol intake."
