Alaina M. Jaster: Bridging the gap across preclinical and clinical disciplines in the psychedelic sciences

The serotonin 2A receptor modulates the rewarding aspects of opioids and influences neuroplasticity differently across sexes. Endocannabinoids are involved in fear extinction, and biomarkers may indicate familial risk of depression. Psychedelic use among adolescent populations is also being investigated.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Dr. Alaina M. Jaster is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University. She currently serves on the trainee editorial board of Psychedelic Medicine, the journal for the International Society for Research on Psychedelics (ISRP), and is part of the Society's Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility committee. Jaster is also part of the Science Policy Committee of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and co-founded a scientific communication website and podcast, Psychedelic Brain Science. Her research aims to understand the underlying molecular targets and mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders and substance use disorders. Her PhD dissertation focused on the serotonin 2A receptor's modulatory role in rewarding aspects of opioids and neuroplasticity across sexes. Most of her work uses translational methodology related to Pavlovian conditioning combined with techniques to measure and manipulate pharmacological factors involved in these diseases. Her current work focuses on the involvement of endocannabinoids in fear extinction, biomarkers of familial risk of depression, and psychedelic use among adolescent populations. Dr. Jaster is excited to engage in the Genomic Press Interview, looking deeper into her life inside and outside the lab.