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Our Team
Dr. Sade Spencer
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.
Abigail Brewer
Postdoctoral Researcher
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.
Kasey Bertelsen
MINDS Student
Hometown: Ely, MN
Education: I received my BS in Psychology from Bemidji State University.
Research interests: Key areas of interest include impulsivity, addiction, and perception disorders, specifically as potential links between the mesolimbic pathways and the gut/ gut-microbiota axis. This interest includes the relationship between microbes with sugar affinity and endogenous counter-regulatory hormones as well as microbial capacity to produce exogenic neurotransmitters. Despite years of research supporting the role of exogenous neurotransmitters, diet, and stress as influencing mental health and overall wellness, I believe this is an understudied area that holds the potential to illuminate new modalities of both treatment and prevention for substance use disorders and other areas of reward-related addiction, such as binge-eating disorder and even media use disorders such as internet/gaming addictions. I hope to translate my post-bacc research experience studying cocaine addiction and relapse prevention as means to further develop and refine these areas of interest.
Hobbies: I love mushroom/ chaga foraging up north, hikes with my German shepherd, Arlo Bernadette, kayaking, and looking for neat rocks. I love to cook, and I make realistic miniature versions of food out of polymer clay.
Aditi Alshi
Undergraduate Student
Hometown: Pune, India
Education: I am a senior majoring 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!
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.
Rachel Aruldas
Researcher 1
Hometown: Chennai, India
Education: I received my BS in Neuroscience and my BA in Human Physiology from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.
Research Interests: I am interested in learning more about reward circuits in the brain and neurodegenerative diseases. I want to participate in research that helps me gain a better understanding of dopaminergic pathways in the brain and their impact on addiction. I am excited to be a part of the Spencer lab and hope to use this experience in my future career in healthcare.
Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy hiking, listening to music, and trying to keep my succulents alive.
Emmanuel Ikebude
Undegraduate Student
Hometown: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Education: I am a senior in the honors program currently majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Psychology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Research Interest: While growing up, I realized that I really loved learning about biology and the interactions there are in life, along with the chemical science that makes up the world around us. Because of this, I decided that I wanted to learn how these two aspects of science intertwine with one another. Especially with being in the Spencer lab, I get the chance to look at drug interactions and how they change the metabolic properties and processes that we naturally see in humans, along with how the body retools, adapts, and reforms itself to said changes. This is of particular interest to me when it comes to novel drug interactions that we have not characterized before.
Hobbies: Some of the hobbies that I have and do during my free time include exploring the city by walking through parks and driving around, working out, and biking whenever I get the chance. I also love participating in events that student groups around campus have going on as well when school is in session!
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.
Claire Felter
Researcher 1
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Education: I received my BS in Biochemistry with a minor in Health Psychology from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. I am currently working on my Master of Public Health here at UMN concentrating in Maternal and Child Health.
Research Interests: I am interested in researching how biological sex influences different symptoms of withdrawal and relapse. During my undergrad, I conducted behavioral experiments to study anxiety-like symptoms in rats experiencing synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal. I hope to apply my knowledge of addiction to my current studies within my MPH program, specifically looking into how addiction influences prenatal and post natal care.
Hobbies: I enjoy video games (PC and Nintendo switch), cooking, and reading. I also consume an absurd amount of caffeine, so I regularly venture out to local coffee shops - my current favorite spot is FRGMT coffee. I also try to get outside as much as possible while the summer season lasts in Minnesota.
Peter Hunsader
Undergraduate Student
Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
Education: I am a senior studying to receive a BS in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Research Interests: I am interested in studying pharmaceutical approaches to addiction-based neuroscience with the ultimate goal of helping chronic users of cocaine avoid relapse. Originally interested in Dr. David Sinclair’s work regarding longevity genes, the work in the Spencer lab caught my eye due to its associations with AMPK. I was pleasantly surprised by a driven and intelligent team of researchers who sparked my interest in the relationship between behavior and the brain. Following my time in the Spencer lab I hope to continue my academic pursuits in the medical field and become an advocate for personalized medical care.
Hobbies: Outside of school and lab I enjoy reading and exploring the cities. I have made it a point to find the best bloody mary in Minneapolis. As of now, my roommate Nick wins.