About

Dr. Roland’s research in the Kash lab focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorder, and in particular how stress and affective dysregulation precipitate and perpetuate heavy alcohol consumption. Her work integrates a variety of molecular, surgical, and pharmacological approaches in mice, including adeno-associated virus-mediated genetic manipulations, fiber photometry using genetically encoded calcium sensors, immunohistochemical staining, imaging of cleared whole-brain tissue, and behavioral studies in mouse models that recapitulate aspects of alcohol use disorder. Using these techniques, she focuses on the neuropeptides and neurocircuitry within the extended amygdala and other brain regions that drive maladaptive affective behaviors and escalated drinking, with a focus on identifying therapeutically relevant molecular targets. Recently, Dr. Roland led a collaborative study investigating whole-brain networks involved in alcohol withdrawal, identifying the cortical amygdala as a key brain region that drives large-scale changes in neural activity during withdrawal. This work established the cortical amygdala as a novel anatomical hub for alcohol drinking behavior. Dr. Roland’s ongoing research focuses on the role of various amygdalar subnuclei in negative affective behaviors and alcohol odor cue-induced drinking, as well as the role of neuropeptides in shaping interregional communication. In addition to her research, Dr. Roland mentors undergraduate and graduate students in the Kash lab.