Neuroscience Investigators at UNE

A primary aim of the Center for Pain Research is to increase the number of neuroscience investigators at UNE and to build a research community that will sustain a vibrant and competitive research center. As part of this aim, the Center funds the research efforts of talented and innovative investigators leading projects related to pain and sensory function.

The goal of this funding is to provide these investigators with the support necessary to develop their novel research projects to the point where each can be independently funded with its own separate federal grant. To date, four investigators have received independent funding.

Two students looking at a microscope slide
Two U N E students hold a slide up to the light

Current Center for Pain Research Projects

Project Title

Painful neonatal trauma alters subsequent fear and sensory function via changes in amygdalar
CRF function

Project Leader

Michael Burman
Professor of Psychology
Director, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Project Description

Michael Burman, Ph.D., tests the hypothesis that neonatal trauma alters the development of a subset of neurons in the amygdala, which can put an individual at increased risk later in life for a variety of conditions such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and chronic pain.

Project Title

Novel expression of MHC class II on DRG neurons can directly activate CD4+ T cells contributing to the resolution of neuropathic pain.

Project Leader

Headshot of Diana Goode
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, COM

Project Description

Diana Goode, Ph.D., tests the hypothesis, that sensory neurons expressing MHC II can activate CD4+ T cells to stimulate the paracrine release of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Previous Project Leaders

Contact

Center for Pain Research Administration

Headshot of Ian Meng
Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, COM
Director, Center for Pain Research
Director, Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences
Headshot of Russell Ferland
Professor
Chair, Department Biomedical Sciences, COM