We study how sparse patterns of neurons encode drug-seeking and stress memories, and how disrupting them could lead to new treatments for addiction and anxiety.
Our lab studies how powerful experiences like drug use or trauma become stored in the brain and hard to forget. We focus on small groups of neurons, called neuronal ensembles, that encode these memories and drive behavior long after the experience is over. By identifying and tracking these ensembles in the brain, we can begin to understand how normal learning turns into persistent, harmful patterns seen in addiction and PTSD.
We combine behavioral models with advanced tools that let us label, monitor, and manipulate these specific neurons during learning and memory. This includes techniques to turn ensembles on or off, map their connections, and examine their molecular signatures. By linking brain activity to behavior at this level of detail, our goal is to uncover how these circuits work and ultimately change them to treat disease.
Addiction and PTSD both involve the brain “learning” strong associations between certain cues and powerful experiences, like drugs or trauma. These learned connections can then trigger cravings or fear responses even long after the original experience is over.
Sparse, distributed patterns of neurons selectively activated by specific cues that encode distinct memories.
If specific groups of neurons encode these harmful memories, treatments could focus on changing or weakening those circuits. Our ultimate goal is to directly reshape the memories driving addiction and PTSD.
We examine how neuronal ensembles differ when encoding drug-seeking compared to natural rewards like food. This work aims to identify the molecular and circuit-level changes that make drug memories more persistent and harder to extinguish.
We are identifying genes and pathways that are selectively activated in neurons that are strongly inhibited by opioids. These markers may allow us to detect and eventually target previously overlooked neural populations involved in opioid effects.
We test new compounds for their ability to reduce drug taking, prevent relapse, and ease withdrawal using well-established self-administration models. The goal is to discover and validate treatments that directly target the brain systems driving addiction.
Sammantha was awarded the best poster Award at the 2026 College of Pharmacy Research Showcase.
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Bo Sortman has been announced as a finalist in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy Research Day oral competition.…
Read more →I am both humbled and excited to be part of Sparian Biosciences’ groundbreaking project, funded by the recent UG3 grant…
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