Matthew Chao
I joined the Khoshbouei Lab in February 2024. My research project focuses on understanding the effects of in utero exposure to methamphetamine on the maturation of the dopaminergic system, testing the hypothesis that this prenatal exposure disrupts the development of the dopaminergic neurons by altering neuroimmune interactions. Under the guidance of Emily Miller, we are employing behavioral, histological, and biochemical techniques to explore the effect on dopaminergic innervation and glial reactivity along the mesolimbic pathway. Ultimately, we seek to utilize this mouse model to investigate why individuals exposed to methamphetamine in utero display an increased, and often sex-dependent, vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disease.