Asher R. Joseph
I joined the Khoshbouei Lab in August 2024 under the mentorship of Emily Miller. My research project studies the effect of in utero exposure to methamphetamine on the development and function of the dopaminergic system, as we hypothesize that maturation of dopamine neurons is disturbed by atypical neuroimmune interactions. Utilizing a variety of techniques, we are investigating the modulation of midbrain-originating innervation of the striatum and prefrontal cortex and glial activation in these regions critical in reward processing and executive function. We hope this work will shed light on how prenatal methamphetamine exposure affects dopaminergic pathway development, contributing to an increased susceptibility to neurodevelopmental disease.