Research Laboratory

Leadership
Nicole McDonald, PhD
Principal Investigator
Contact Info
760 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA
About
The McDonald Lab explores the neurobiological basis of motivation, learning, and behavior. The lab uses rodent models to study how specific brain circuits influence responses to stress, reward, and substance use. Research also focuses on how psychiatric conditions alter these circuits. Their findings contribute to the development of treatments for disorders such as anxiety, addiction, and PTSD. The lab’s work bridges basic neuroscience with translational applications.