PI

I moved to the University of Pittsburgh to start the lab in 2021, continuing and extending my postdoc interests to incorporate models of opioid use and new collaborative projects within the department. Outside of lab, I can be found trying new restaurants, enjoying a Pirates game at PNC park, or (more commonly) chasing around my 2 young kids.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

I completed my PhD at Sorbonne University in Paris, where I studied the role of dopamine-glutamate receptors heteromerizations into the striatum in the context of psychiatric disorders such as addiction and depression. I'm interested in therapeutic strategies targeting GPCRs in the context of psychiatric diseases, especially related to reward and aversion. In the Joffe Lab, I’m working on a project exploring opioid receptors in the cortex. Outside the lab, I love sports and I’m always up for a good rock concert.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

I got my bachelors in neuroscience from Ohio University, and a PhD in neuroscience from Penn State. My research interests include neuropeptides and therapeutic targets for alcohol use and neuropsychiatric disorders. My project focuses on VIP in prefrontal cortex and the effects of alcohol throughout development. Outside of lab I enjoy mountain biking and taking my dog for walks.

PhD CANDIDATE

I'm originally from northern VA but did my undergrad at Boston University where I majored in Neuroscience and researched learning and memory. I'm primarily interested in mechanisms of opioid-mediated plasticity that underlie addiction-related behavior and my project focuses specifically on opioid signaling in cortical interneurons. My hobbies outside of lab include reading, my cats, my gecko, and my plants.

PhD CANDIDATE

I received my Bachelor's of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. I am interested in identifying how experiences, such as alcohol exposure or stress, leads to synaptic and circuit-level adaptations on cortical interneurons, and how these changes shape behavior. My current research examines how chronic alcohol shapes PV-INs and mGlu5 receptor function to promote voluntary drinking in mice. Outside of lab, I enjoy hiking and spending time with my cats.

GRADUATE STUDENT

Originally from New Jersey, I graduated with my B.S. in Neuroscience from Pitt in 2022 before continuing for two years as a lab technician studying rehabilitative and pharmacotherapies for traumatic brain injury. In Dr. Joffe's lab, I am using patch clamp electrophysiology to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying how circulating gonadal hormones regulate sex differences in PFC PV interneuron physiology and synaptic plasticity. Outside of lab, I enjoy running, going to concerts, and reading.

GRADUATE STUDENT

I was born and raised in Washington, went to Western Washington University, and then moved to Baltimore to do a postbac at the NIH. My research interests are in GPCR pharmacology and how repeated drug exposures, especially to drugs of abuse, lead to changes in physiology and behavior. In Dr. Joffe's lab I am examining xylazine's mechanism of action in PFC circuits through electrophysiological and behavioral assays. Outside of lab, I enjoy photography, learning about space, taking pictures of space, and playing soccer.

GRADUATE ROTATION STUDENT (Summer 2026)

I am originally from Germany and graduated from Syracuse University in 2026 with B.S. degrees in Neuroscience and Biology. Prior to joining the Joffe lab as a rotation student, I studied how regulatory proteins influence CB1 receptor signaling kinetics. My current research interests focus on the mechanisms through which nociceptin reduces glutamate release and how chronic alcohol exposure alters the NOP system in the prefrontal cortex. Outside of lab, I enjoy baking, reading, trying new coffee shops, and rowing.

STAFF SCIENTIST

I got my bachelor’s in biology from American University and my PhD from The Ohio State University. I did a postdoc in Rui Peixoto’s lab at University of Pittsburgh studying development of the cortex and striatum in Shank3B and Fmr1 mouse models. In addition to research, I enjoy writing software to analyze slice electrophysiology (ClampSuite) and in vivo electrophysiology data (InVivoSuite), and for plotting nested categorical data (Lithos) which you can find on my GitHub. Outside of the lab, I like to hang out with my daughter and work on my various hobbies.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

I am originally from the Boston area and graduated from Connecticut College with a BA in neuroscience in December 2024. I joined the Joffe lab originally in summer of 2024 through CNUP SURP and then again full-time after I graduated as a research assistant. I am interested in substance abuse disorder and translational research relevant to medicine. When I am not running experiments in lab, you can find me playing soccer, playing the violin, or spending time outdoors.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

I am from Philadelphia and recently graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2024 with a B.S in Neuroscience. I was an undergrad in the Joffe Lab and now work as a research assistant. I am interested in the neural and behavioral mechanisms that drive addiction and alcohol use. Outside of lab, I enjoy dancing, listening to music and traveling.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

BMP STUDENT

I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from Xavier University in May of 2025 with a BA in biology. I recently began the Biomedical Master’s Program at the University of Pittsburgh, and upon finishing this program, I will go to medical school. I am helping with research in the Joffe lab to gain experience in research and neuroscience. I am primarily interested in the development of opioid addiction. In my free time, I enjoy painting, reading, and going on hikes with my family. 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

I am an undergraduate in the class of 2028 from the Philadelphia area majoring in neuroscience and psychology. I am interested in the neuropharmacology of addiction as well as treatments for other psychiatric disorders. Outside of lab, I love painting, reading books, and hiking.

SURP STUDENT

I am an undergraduate student from the University of Colorado Boulder at the end of my fourth year. At CU I study psychology and neuroscience, and my current interests are in neuropharmacological treatments of psychiatric and neurological disorders as well as visual system neuroscience. As a visiting summer student, I am working with Reece to investigate the neuropharmacology of medetomidine and elucidate how chronic exposure impacts the effects of opioids and withdrawal. Outside the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, snowboarding and watching Colorado teams lose in the playoffs.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

I am an undergraduate student at Pitt in the class of 2028 majoring in Neuroscience with aspirations of attending medical school. I am originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, but live in Orlando, Fl. My main interests in Neuroscience lie in the neurobiology and neuropharmacology of addiction as well as potential treatments for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. Outside of lab, I enjoy listening to music, reading, playing video games, trying out new cafes, exploring the city, and playing volleyball.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

I am an undergraduate student at Pitt in the class of 2029 and I’m from Bucks County. I’m majoring in Neuroscience with hopes of attending PA school. I’m really interested in neurobiology and neuropharmacology. Back home, I work at a med clinic and spend my free time volunteering at our local hospital. Some of my hobbies include reading, traveling, going on walks, and listening to music.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

Graduated December 2024

GRADUATE ROTATION STUDENT (Fall 2024)

SURP STUDENT (2025)

Undergraduate student, University of North Carolina

RESEARCH ASSISTANT AND LAB MANAGER

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

Graduated May 2026

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

Graduated May 2026