In order to better guide the development of medications for the treatment of dependence on cocaine or amphetamines, it is important to increase our understanding of the targets for these compounds, and one important target is the dopamine transporter (DAT). Thus, much of the research in the lab deals with the structure, function, and regulation of DAT. The intriguing link between drug reward and natural reward suggests that treatments for drug abuse could also be effective as treatments of eating disorders. Food restriction effects are studied in collaboration with Dr. Kenneth D. Carr (also at Millhauser). Compounds targeting DAT (for treating stimulant dependence) and other monoamine transporters (antidepressant targets) also DA receptors (antiparkinsonian drugs) are studied in collaboration with Dr. Aloke K. Dutta (Wayne State). My research interests are: see COS link to the right.