Our Team
Dr. Sade Spencer
Associate Professor
Primary Investigator
Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX
Education: I received my undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa (Roll Tide!) graduating Summa Cum Laude. My thesis research in the lab of Dr. Colleen McClung at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas focused on circadian rhythms and affective disorders with a focus on understanding how the transcription factor CLOCK was involved in the regulation of dopamine transmission. During my postdoc in the lab of Dr. Peter Kalivas at the Medical University of South Carolina I worked to develop innovative animal models to study neuroplasticity and behavior across various stages of addiction and relapse.
Hobbies: When I'm not running a lab, I enjoy running and cooking.
Dr. Abigail Brewer
Researcher IV
Hometown: Los Alamos, NM
Education: I received my BA in Biology and Psychology from Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, CO. I was recruited to Washington State
University in Pullman, WA in 2012, where I joined the Psychology department and received my MS in May of 2016 , then my PhD in May of 2020.
Research Interests: Way back when I was an undergraduate my interest in research was nurtured by Dr. Cassandra Osborne at Western looking at the effects of xenoestrogen compounds on developing xenopus laevis embryos. I have always been very interested in the mechanisms underlying our behavior and learning as well as how these mechanisms might change under different conditions. At WSU I worked on understanding the mechanisms of pain and relief under the mentorship of Dr. Raymond Quock. The mechanism of pain relief remains unknown, but our lab did work on identifying potential targets and identifying further uses of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO 2). HBO 2 has shown a great deal of promise in relieving pain in various clinical conditions and preclinical animal models. In my dissertation research I investigated the impact of HBO 2 on morphine withdrawal in mouse models. I am particularly proud of my work in introducing sex as a potential variable in the effect of HBO 2 on pain and opioid withdrawal. Understanding the mechanisms of drug dependence and withdrawal has become one of my passions. I am excited about finding out more about the mechanisms underlying drug dependence, withdrawal, and relapse.
Hobbies: I do like to be outside, particularly on or near water and I spend an inordinate amount of time with my dog Sonny. I look forward to exploring my new home in the Twin Cities and potentially finding new interests and hobbies.
Anoo Maskeri
Graduate Student
Hometown: Vienna, VA
Education: I received my BS in Experimental Neuroscience as well as a minor in Computer Science at Virginia Tech. I am currently pursuing a PhD in the Graduate Program for Neuroscience (GPN).
Research interests: My research background is mainly in rodents on a range of behaviors from social recognition to motivation. I hope to combine my interests of neurocircuitry with behavior to better understanding the mechanisms underlying specific behavioral affects.
Hobbies: Outside of school and lab I love hiking, going to concerts, exploring the many bars/coffee shops in the cities, and hanging out with my cat Billie.
Dylan Rogers
Undergraduate Student
Hometown: Elk River, Minnesota
Education: I am a sophomore currently majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in leadership at The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Research Interests: While I love learning about all aspects of the human body, what piques my interests is the brain! I am interested in learning about reward circuits and how all the underlying structures of the brain give way to macroscopic changes. I’ve enjoyed learning about Cannabis Use Disorder and hope to continue further research on drug abuse and its implications on our learning and behavior. I am excited to be a part of Spencer lab and hope to learn and give back as much as I can.
Hobbies: Outside of school and lab I am extremely passionate about my church and community work regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, I enjoy reading theology, playing sports, meeting new people, soaking up the sun when the weather is nice, and opportunities for mentorship and leadership. In fact what brought me to Spencer Lab was their emphasis on mentoring undergraduate students.
Saanvi Kulkarni
Undergraduate Student
Hometowns: Pune, India and Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Education: I am a sophomore majoring in Computer Science with minors in Neuroscience and Biotechnology.
Research Interests: I am interested in exploring the intersection of technology and neuroscience. I am eager to gain more exposure to addiction research and am fascinated by how various drugs influence behavior and neurobiology. My goal is to study behavior associated with addiction as a relapsing-remitting brain disorder, including its connections to other psychiatric diseases
Hobbies: Outside of my academic pursuits, I like dancing, travelling, going to concerts, reading, and exploring new places!
Edith Hernandez
MSTP Student
Hometowns: Ciudad Juárez, México and El Paso, Texas
Education: I received a BS in Biomedical Sciences, a BA in Psychology and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). I am currently pursuing an MD/PhD in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), with a focus in Neuropharmacology and Psychiatry.
Research Interests: My primary research interest lies in translational approaches to addiction neuroscience and pharmacology for therapeutic development. I was initially introduced to the field of addiction through a clinical psychology perspective working with Dr. Ted Cooper’s StopLite program, a smoking cessation initiative for light and intermittent smokers in a predominantly Latinx population. My passion for neuroscience started when working with Dr. Eddie Castañeda, studying deficiencies in the dopaminergic circuitry known for driving addictive behaviors during early stages of pre-manifest Parkinson’s disease (PD). My last year in Dr. Castañeda’s lab focused on neural mechanisms driving sensitization of dopamine release as a potential therapeutic option in early stage PD. After graduation, I worked with Dr. Joseph F. Cheer at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, studying the role of endocannabinoid signaling in hippocampal cholinergic systems and their influence on working memory formation. These experiences showed me the essential intersection between neurobiological plasticity, psychiatric evaluation, and behavior modification when developing effective treatment options for recovering individuals.
Hobbies: My Cocker Spaniel, Paula, is with me at all times. I love traveling, climbing, sketching/painting, live music, and advocacy in underrepresented communities. I also love food and am always looking for new places to eat and new things to cook. Additionally, I have a growing desert plant collection that reminds me of home.
Fleur Uittenbogaard
Graduate Student
Hometown: Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Snoqualmie, WA
Education: I received my B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Washington - Seattle in 2023. I am currently pursing my Ph.D. in Neuroscience in the GPN here at UMN.
Research Interests: My undergraduate research was in the labs of Drs. Michael Bruchas and Nephi Stella, and focused on developing a voluntary oral THC consumption model in mice that reliably produces measurable cannabimimetic behaviors. I also supported projects centered on THC’s effect on movement and modulation of the prefrontal cortex. This work sparked my interest in cannabinoid research, and together with my interest in the circuit-level underpinnings of substances use disorders have informed my more specific interest in the circuit-level mechanisms contributing to different aspects of cannabis use disorder.
Hobbies: I love to cook and explore new restaurants in the cities. During the warmer months I also love to do lake activities and go on hikes and I’ve been getting really into hot yoga. Pretty much all other time is spent with my tortie cat, Hazel.
Alyssa Tollefson
Undergraduate Student
Hometown: La Crescent, MN
Education: I am a junior majoring in neuroscience and minoring in economics at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Research Interests: I think behavior is really interesting, and I am exploring this in both my major and minor. For neuroscience specifically, I am curious about addiction, OCD, and compulsive behaviors in the brain. I am interested in learning about why these maladaptive coping mechanisms are so addictive and how withdrawal could be ameliorated.
Hobbies: I enjoy being active, cooking, and reading. My ideal hang out is walking to a fun cafe to get a fun drink and yap. I like running in downtown Minneapolis along the river, to St. Thomas, or toward Minnehaha Falls. I recently took a zumba class for the first time and it was so much fun, and I’m looking forward to the next class!
Daniella Majwega
Undergraduate Student
Hometown: Kampala, Uganda
Education: I am a senior majoring in Neuroscience and Genetics, Cell Biology & Development with a minor in Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.
Research Interests: Similar to my majors, my research interests involve synaptic plasticity as well as epigenetics. In this lab, I am able to explore both niches simultaneously as I get the opportunity to look at the effects of cannabis use on reward-seeking in the brain and on genetic markers after prolonged usage. Addiction research particularly interests me because it analyses the effects that drugs of abuse have on reward circuits that drastically influence our thoughts, feelings and actions, ultimately taking control of our lives. I find that addiction research is applicable to so much more than just drugs of abuse as humans operate on the line between wants and needs - a line that addiction makes very blurry. Here, I see a huge opportunity to build on my lab skills, improve my familiarity with research protocols and provide a service that can benefit the lives of so many people!
Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy learning choreographies and dancing. I am getting back into reading for fun and currently enjoying Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins! I also love to sketch and colour to destress or draw portraits and doodles of my friends and family.
Mark Schonfeld
Graduate Student
Hometown: Oxford, MI
Education: I received my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Pharmacology.
Research Interests: My research background is primarily in molecular and immunological disease mechanisms. I am currently investigating the role of transient neurological changes in the drug reward pathway and their relation to cue-induced cocaine relapse. My long-term goal is to further define the cognitive dysregulation involved in substance use disorders and develop effective treatments for relapse.
Hobbies: I am heavily involved in underground music. I'm primarily a metal fan but also enjoy shoegaze, heavy psych, and synth pop. I collect records and tapes, attend shows, and play guitar. I also enjoy hiking and camping.
Aditi Alshi
Researcher 1
Hometown: Pune, India
Education: I received my BS in Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.
Research Interests: My interest in research stems from intrigue surrounding the human body and anatomy, particularly that of the central nervous system. I am interested in learning about the neurological and behavioral impacts that can be brought about as a result of chronic drug use. I would further like to understand how such disruptions to the neural circuits can be correlated to degeneration and disease. I believe that the experiences and knowledge I gain from being a part of Spencer lab will be very helpful towards the end of my undergraduate degree and for my future career in medicine!
Hobbies: I love to spend my free time reading. I don't think I will ever outgrow the fantasy and dystopian genres of books and movies. I also enjoy spending time outside while listening to music and being with my friends!
Riley Dougherty
Undergraduate Student
Hometown: Lino Lakes, MN
Education: I recently just finished my third year here at the University of Minnesota - Twin CIties. I am currently working towards a BS in Cellular and Organismal Physiology with a minor in Integrative Neuroscience
Research Interests: I have always wanted to get into some sort of addiction research as it has always been an intriguing area of interest for me. I am broadly interested in how the brain functions, with a particular focus on the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying addiction and substance use. I’m also deeply interested in the intersection of addiction and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and how shared mechanisms can hopefully lead to treatment strategies.
Hobbies: I really enjoy weight training as well as running. Outside of school, I try to stay active because it keeps my body healthy and most importantly, my mind and brain healthy. I feel like I am doing my best when I feel my best. I also love going outside and doing activities with my friends such as playing spikeball, pickleball, and going out on the lake when it's nice outside.
Past Members
Anton Siamionau
Mohamed Abdulahi
Gillian Brown
Ayden Reed
Anna Sternitzky
Ilham Yasin
Rachel Aruldas
Malaya Galindez
Corinne Kelling
Caden Chenge
Molly Russel
As’Shaunte Walker
Kasey Bertelsen
Sarah Ufearo
Laura Buczek
Emma Wille
Allegra Sciaccotta
Vishal Chandra
Amy Chan
Dan Grinberg
Patrick Haley
Noor Ibrahim
Zia Matti
Peter Hunsader
Emmanuel Ikebude
Natalia Rulli
Lexi Willard
Claire Pince
Qetsia Etienne
Peja James
Past Rotation Students
Sasha Pilski
Kelsey Person
Johnathan Aguirre
Ciarra Whindleton
Angel Robert
Margot Lortie
Ashley Anderson
Sarah Mulloy
Kyle Feldman
Maddi Moore
Perou Villiamma