Emotional Neuroscience Research Laboratory
We focus on mapping the fundamental neurocircuitry of anxiety, examining its manifestation in children, and investigating the role of anxiety in various psychiatric disorders.
Our mission is driven by a commitment to advance knowledge about the complexities of anxiety and its neurobiological underpinnings. We also have an interest in the developmental factors that contribute to the emergence of anxiety in youth.
Our ultimate goal is to leverage the insights gained from our research to develop innovative prevention strategies tailored for children at high risk of developing anxiety and other disorders. Through our endeavors, we aspire to make significant contributions to the field of neuroscience and enhance the well-being of those affected by anxiety.
Approach
Our approach is multi-level and multi-modal: we collect measures across many levels including measures of brain structure and function, physiological responses, clinical symptoms, and behaviors. We use advanced neuroimaging methods to explore the neural basis of anxiety including measures of brain structure, function (functional MRI), and connectivity (diffusion tensor imaging, resting state connectivity, task-based connectivity).
Our Team
Our Emotional Neuroscience Research Laboratory is comprised of a lab manager, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students (typically in neuroscience or psychology), research assistants, undergraduate students and high school students. We cultivate a culture of continuous growth and mutual respect, where each team member is encouraged to contribute their ideas and learn from one another. We believe the best science is created by teams who welcome varied skill sets, interests, backgrounds and experiences.
Our robust training program ensures each team member is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in our lab and beyond. Our laboratory team recognizes the value of systems toward ensuring quality work, so we utilize a project management system to set goals and track progress. Feedback is also an integral part of our lab, which we structure purposefully into weekly one-on-one professional development meetings, operational team meetings and education-focused lab meetings.
Current Grants
Title |
Grant Type |
Participate |
|---|---|---|
| Sex differences in brain function during early abstinence in alcohol use disorder | NIAAA 1R01AA029127-01 | Learn more about IRB#279-21-FB |
| Investigating negative emotions during alcohol abstinence | NIAAA P60AA031124 | Learn more about IRB#556-22-FB |
| Developmental changes in unpredictable threat anticipation | CHRI Grant Award and CONDA | Learn more about IRB#112-23-EP |
| Reinforcement learning in alcohol use disorder | NIH funding through ACORN Pilot Grant | Learn more about IRB#722-23-FB |
Faculty, Staff and Student Research
Explore research publications focused on many aspects of disability performed by MMI's faculty, staff and students in the Emotional Neuroscience Research Laboratory.
- Jennifer Blackford, PhD, Hattie B. Munroe Professor
- Katelyn Kelley, BS
- Nicole L. Zabik, PhD
In the News
Jennifer Blackford, PhD
Hattie B. Munroe Professor
Director, Munroe-Meyer Institute Research
Professor, UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences
Professor, UNO Department of Psychology
Student Opportunities
Explore opportunities at MMI for post-doctoral fellows, doctoral interns, graduate and undergrad students to assist faculty in research efforts.