Wilkerson Laboratory: Behavioral Pharmacology of Pain and Addiction

The Wilkerson Laboratory uses integrative behavioral neuroscience and pharmacology to investigate the biological mechanisms that drive pathological pain, substance use disorders, and mood-related disorders. By combining rigorous behavioral analysis with in vivo pharmacological and translational molecular approaches, the lab seeks to understand how drugs, both therapeutic and misused, shape brain-behavior interactions across health and disease.

A major strength of the laboratory is its focus on novel compound pharmacology and early-stage drug discovery. An enduring area of interest is the study of bioactive natural products, which represent a vast and historically important source of therapeutic agents. Compounds derived from plants such as Cannabis sativa and Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), among others, have long-standing human use and growing relevance to modern medicine. Our work evaluates the therapeutic potential of such compounds while rigorously characterizing their side-effect profiles, abuse liability, and translational relevance, which are critical steps in the development of safe and effective pharmacotherapies.

The laboratory also emphasizes biological sex and sex-related hormones as key modulators of disease vulnerability and treatment outcomes. Despite their importance, these factors remain underrepresented in preclinical research. We examine how hormonal status influences the development, maintenance, and treatment responsiveness of pain, substance use disorders, and mood-related conditions. By doing so, our research aims to enhance clinical relevance and impact of behavioral pharmacology and preclinical drug discovery.

Statement on Diversity and Inclusion

We value and welcome people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, ethnicities, and identities. We celebrate and welcome the unique backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives that each individual offers.

We do not accept and we reject hateful speech and actions aimed to demean or injure any person through the use of racism, sexism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ableism, classism, or any other forms of discrimination.