Jennifer A. Cummings, Ph.D.
Current Position:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan
Research Interests/Professional Affiliations:
Research Interests: My research focuses on identifying how motherhood affects drug abuse liability by examining the impact of pregnancy and caring for offspring on drug-taking behavior and neurological responses to cocaine in the rat. I am also interested in identifying the neural circuitry and neurotransmitter mediation of female sexual motivation.
Grant Support: R21 DA027924 (Co-PI)
Professional Affiliations: Society for Neuroscience, Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Organization for the Study of Sex Differences
Distinctions/Experience:
- Reproductive Sciences Program Fellowship, University of Michigan, April 2008 – March 2010
- Travel Award Winner, Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, April 2009
- Travel Award Winner, Society for Neuroscience, June 2009
- Food, Nutrition and Chronic Disease Fellowship, Fall 2005
- Research Enhancement Award, Spring 2004
Example Publications:
Cummings, J.A., Clemens, L.G., and A.A. Nunez. Mother counts: How effects of environmental contaminants on maternal care could affect the offspring and future generations. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, Article in Press, June 2010.
Cummings, J.A., Clemens, L.G., and A.A. Nunez. Exposure to PCB 77 affects partner preference but not sexual behavior in the female rat. Physiology and Behavior, 2008; 95; 471 – 475.
Cummings, J.A., Nunez, A.A., and L.G. Clemens. A cross-fostering analysis of the effects of PCB 77 on the maternal behavior of rats. Physiology and Behavior, 2005; 85; 83 – 91.
