I am broadly interested in drug addiction. Specifically, my work has focused on dependence and withdrawal from naturally occurring and synthetic cannabinoids. Originally from western North Carolina, my undergraduate studies in psychology and neuroscience motivated me to pursue graduate studies at West Virginia University where I earned my M.S. and Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis in the experimental analysis of behavior and behavioral neuroscience. I then moved to Rochester, NY where I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Rochester. I blend these research experiences together with my passion for psychology/neuroscience education to give students a fresh perspective on psychology through a biobehavioral lens. Apart from academic interests, I enjoy spending time with my partner, and our two extremely sweet pets Sophie (dog) and Bubbles (cat).
Degrees
- B.A. in Psychology (Neuroscience minor) from University of North Carolina Wilmington from West Virginia University
- M.S. in Psychology from West Virginia University
- PhD in Psychology (Behavior Analysis & Behavioral Neuroscience) from
Publications
Eckard, M. L., & Kinsey, S. G. (2021). Gabapentin attenuates somatic signs of precipitated Δ9-THC withdrawal in mice. Neuropharmacology. 190, 108554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108554
Anderson, T., Merrill, A., Eckard, M.L., Marvin, E., Conrad, K., Welle, K., Oberdörster, G., Sobolewski, M., & Cory-Slechta, D. (2021). Paraquat inhalation, a translationally relevant route of exposure: Disposition to the brain and male-specific olfactory impairment in mice. Toxicological Sciences. 180(1), 175-185. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfaa183
Eckard, M. L., Trexler, K. R., Kotson, B., Anderson, K. G., & Kinsey, S. G. (2020). Precipitated Δ9-THC withdrawal reduces motivation for sucrose reinforcement in mice. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, & Behavior. 195, 172966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172966
Trexler, K. R., Eckard, M. L., & Kinsey, S. G. (2019). CB1 positive allosteric modulation attenuates Δ9-THC withdrawal and NSAID-induced gastric inflammation. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 177, (27-33). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2018.12.009
Eckard, M. L., & Kyonka, E. G. (2018). Differential reinforcement of low rates differentially decreased timing precision. Behavioural Processes, 151, 111-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2018.02.022