Rate My Professor Laura O'Dell

As director of the Neural Basis of Addiction Laboratory, O’Dell investigates the neural mechanisms underlying substance misuse, with a focus on nicotine addiction in vulnerable populations including adolescents, females, and those with diabetes. Her research employs neurochemical, molecular, and behavioral methods to explore sex differences, insulin resistance, and other factors modulating nicotine reward and withdrawal. Key publications include “The emergence of insulin resistance coincides with an increase in the reinforcing effects of nicotine in a sex-dependent manner” (Neuropharmacology, 2021), “Amino acid systems in the interpeduncular nucleus modulate nicotine withdrawal in a sex-dependent manner” (Journal of Neuroscience Research, 2021), and “Vulnerability to substance abuse: A consideration of allostatic loading factors” (Neuropharmacology, 2021). O’Dell has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2008), Excellence in Mentorship Award from the National Hispanic Science Network on Drugs of Abuse (2016), and Research Exemplar Award (2017). She has been appointed to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism study section (2020) and served in leadership roles such as Behavioral Neuroscience Area Chair and on various university committees.