Research Laboratory
Leadership
Nicole McDonald, PhD
Principal Investigator
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.
Our Team
-
Nicole McDonald, Ph.D.
Principal investigator -
Karolina (Karol) Grotkowski, Ph.D.
-
Camila Ferrario, M.S. LMFT
-
Corinna Klein, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar -
Viviana Rodriguez
Staff Research Associate -
Ying Yan
-
Anne Combredet
-
Jaquelin Trujillo
Volunteer -
Mona Abdul Samad
Volunteer -
Mona Abdul Samad
Volunteer
Participate in Research
RAINBOW Study (Currently enrolling English & Spanish speaking participants!)
Remote Assessment and Intervention for Behavior Problems in Kids with TSC
We are seeking to learn more about behavior problems in young children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)
You can participate in this study from home!
Your family may be eligible for this study if:
- Your child has a diagnosis of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), and:
- Is 3-6 years old
- English or Spanish is the primary language spoken in your home
- You live anywhere in the United States
Click on the following link and fill in your information to get contacted by our study team!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLT9-MdmZYSfWp0lTC2jQVb34nXxYv-iCDUAR0LMdUtQVedA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Nos gustaría aprender más sobre los problemas de comportamiento en niños pequeños con Complejo de Esclerosis Tuberosa (CET)
¡Puedes participar en este estudio desde casa!
Su familia puede ser elegible para este estudio si:
- Su hijo tiene un diagnóstico de Complejo de Esclerosis Tuberosa (CET)
- Tiene 3-6 años
- Inglés o Español es el idioma principal que se habla en su hogar
- Ustedes viven en cualquier parte de los Estados Unidos
Haz clic en el siguiente enlace y completa tu información para que nuestro equipo de estudio pueda ponerse en contacto contigo:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDlrgJM35ffhlR3hCVl22P-GIRPTCzmj4SrbD789yVjO_-hQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
NESTING Study
Neurodevelopment and Early Social-Emotional Trajectories In NICU Graduates
We are interested in better understanding early brain and social development in infants who had early medical issues requiring a NICU stay. This research will help us learn how to better support and help babies with early medical issues and their families. This study is a collaborative effort between the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment and High-Risk Infant Follow-up Clinic.
Your baby may be eligible for this study if he/she:
- Is 6 months old or younger (adjusted age)
- Has a history of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) hospitalization
We are no longer enrolling participants for this study.
SSRI Study
Infant Attachment Security and Perinatal Depression: The Effect of SSRI Treatment on Salivary Oxytocin Levels and Early Mother-Infant Interactions
UCLA researchers are studying the relationship between Oxytocin and the mother-infant relationship in mothers with and without postpartum depression
You may be eligible for this study if you have a baby 6 months of age or younger, and:
- You have new symptoms of depression since having your baby
OR
- You are not experiencing symptoms of depression
We are no longer enrolling participants for this study.
Publications
SSRI Study publications
Richards MC, Ferrario CA, Yan Y, McDonald NM. The Impact of Postpartum Depression on the Early Mother-Infant Relationship during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perception versus Reality. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2024; 21(2):164. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21020164