Michael D. Scofield PhD
Assistant Professor Depts. of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, and Neuroscience
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
scofield@musc.edu
843-876-1743
Research Interests:
My scientific focus overall is aimed at understanding the cellular and molecular substrates of drug addiction. As such, studies performed in my laboratory aim to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of relapse vulnerability in order to contribute to the development of pharmacological approaches to reverse maladaptive cellular and molecular changes that result from drug exposure.
As a young investigator, I have focused on establishing a diverse combination of both established and more modern and nuanced techniques. As an example, In the lab we are utilizing the well established operant rodent models of drug taking and drug seeking, often combined with real time amperometric recordings and pathway and cell type-specific chemogenetic manipulation. Apart from recordings in animals actively undergoing relapse, we also interrogate the brain circuitry and structural plasticity underlying relapse using intersectional viral vector approaches combined with super resolution confocal imaging, digital reconstruction and computer-aided analyses.
One unique aspect of our group is that the studies performed in the lab are designed to analyze and manipulate physiological and physical aspects of both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. I feel that this approach is crucial in order to gain a better understanding of how the functional and physical interaction of multiple cell types within the brain contributes to the overall synaptic plasticity linked to addiction and relapse.
Frontiers in Neuroscience Conference
Seminar Detailed New Isolation Techniques for Dendritic Spine Heads
Ben Siemsen PhD: Ben is our senior post doctoral scholar. He originally completed his graduate studies here at MUSC in the McGinty lab prior to joining the Scofield Lab. Ben is a microscopy and amperometry expert and was recently awarded a NIDA F32 for his work on nitric oxide and cocaine addiction. In his free time, Ben enjoys live music and soccer.
Ashley Brock MS: Ashley is currently our lead technician in the lab. Ashley has become our rodent behavior specialist and is particularly adept at preparing histological samples for staining and imaging. Outside of the lab Ashley enjoys spending time with family and traveling.
Annaka Westphal BS: Annaka has just recently joined us as a technician and is a aspiring graduate student. Annaka has brings to the lab expertise in rodent SA. Despite her just arriving, she has already begun optimizing our rodent SA equipment. In her free time Annaka enjoys traveling.