
TRAIN@wayne
Translational Research in Addiction and Integrative Neuroscience
T32 Trainees
2024-2026 TRAIN@wayne T32 Trainees
Itzick Nahmoud

Background
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PhD Matriculation Year: 2023 (M.D./Ph.D.; Translational Neuroscience Program).
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Primary Research Advisor: Dr. Alana Conti, PhD (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences)
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Dissertation Committee:
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Dr. Eric Woodcock, PhD (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences)
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Dr. Shane Perrine, PhD (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences)
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Dr. Alexander Gow, PhD (Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics)
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Research Interests
My preclinical research delves into the dynamic interplay between neuroimmune regulation and pain sensitivity, with a spotlight on the kynurenine pathway—a key biomarker of inflammation. Leveraging cutting-edge Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, I aim to explore longitudinal disruptions in the KP across preclinical and clinical settings, unveiling critical neuroimmune changes triggered by traumatic brain injury. This innovative approach not only reveals translational biomarkers but also uncovers therapeutic targets to address neuroimmune dysregulation, paving the way for transformative advances in pain management and anesthesia care.
Awards & Honors
o 2017-2019: BP-ENDURE NIH Fellowship, Hunter College
o 2016-2019: Thomas Hunter Honors Program, Biochemistry, Hunter College
o 2016: Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Hunter College
Manuscripts
1. Nahmoud I., Woodcock E., Conti A.C. The Kynurenine Pathway: A New Frontier in Understanding Pain Pathogenesis Following Traumatic Brain Injury. (in submission)
2. Bosse K.E., Nahmoud I., Lloyd S.C., Min W., Conti A.C. Post-injury exposure to morphine leads to prolonged pain and neuroinflammatory response to traumatic brain injury. (in submission)
3. Stujenske, J.M., O'Neill P.K., Nahmoud I, Goldberg S., Diaz L., Labkovich M., Hardin W., Bolkan S.S., Reardon T.R., Spellman T.J., Salzman C.D., Gordon J.A., Likhtik E. Prelimbic cortex drives discrimination of non-aversion via amygdala
somatostatin interneurons. Neuron. July 20, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.03.020
4. Nahmoud I., Vasquez J., Cho H., Yusufova L., Talbot S., Casaccia P., Liu J., Likhtik E. Safety training improves subsequent exploration and discrimination learning. Beh. Brain Res. October 12, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112907
Personal Interests
Exploring the depths through SCUBA diving, hitting the pavement for charity runs, and transforming spaces with creative home improvement DIY projects.
Lauren Richardson

Background
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PhD Matriculation Year: 2022 (Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program)
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Primary Research Advisor: Dr. Susanne Brummelte, PhD (Department of Psychology)
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Dissertation Committee:
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Dr. Scott Bowen, PhD (Department of Psychology)
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Dr. Kelly Bosse, PhD (Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences)
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Dr. Alexa Veenema, PhD (Michigan State University, Department of Psychology)
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Research Interests
My preclinical research investigates the effects of prenatal opioid exposure on maternal care and infant outcomes, including deficits in maternal behavior and neonatal health in a translational rodent model. I am particularly focused on exploring exogenous postpartum oxytocin as a potential therapeutic to mitigate these deficits.
Awards & Honors
· 2023-2024: Thomas C. Rumble Fellowship
· 2023: NIDA Diversity Scholars Travel Award, Society for Neuroscience
· 2024: 1st Place Poster Presentation, Psychology Graduate Research Poster Day
· 2024: Travel Award, International Society for Developmental Psychobiology
Manuscripts
1. Wallin, C. M., Bowen, S. E., Roberge, C. L., Richardson, L. M., & Brummelte, S. (2019). Gestational buprenorphine exposure: Effects on pregnancy, development, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, and behavior in a translational rodent model. Drug Alcohol Depend, 205, 107625. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107625
2. Richardson, L.M., Myers, A. M., Wallin, C. M., Duran, J., Neole, S. R., Kulaglic, N., ... & Brummelte, S. (2024). The effects of buprenorphine and morphine during pregnancy: Impact of exposure length on maternal brain, behavior, and offspring neurodevelopment. Neuropharmacology, 257, 110060.
3. Richardson, L.M., Duran, J., Khalid, S., Bosse, K., Brummelte, S. (2024). Gestational Opioid Exposure: From Morphine to MOUD: How Opioids Impact Offspring Development and Maternal Care. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. (in press)
Personal Interests
Visiting National Parks, hiking, live concerts / music festivals, and crafting personalized gifts and home decor, including thrifting, painting, and DIY projects.