The Lerner Lab studies the neural circuit basis of motivation, reward learning and habit formation.

We are interested in how individual differences in our neural circuits compel different types of interaction with the world. We are particularly interested in the neural circuits driving the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is at the heart of addiction, depression, Parkinson’s Disease, and many other neuropsychiatric disorders.

What are the synaptic- and circuit-level mechanisms that generate dopamine signals? How are dopamine signals distributed to the rest of the brain? How and why do dopamine signals to different parts of the brain change during learning? What external forces, such as early life stress, shape the structure of our dopamine circuits to predispose us to disorders such as depression or addiction?

To answer these questions, the Lerner Lab uses behavioral studies in combination with optogenetics, fiber photometry, electrophysiology, viral-mediated circuit tracing, and other approaches to probe the natural range of individual variation in dopamine circuit structure and function and to correlate it with behavior. Ultimately, we seek to learn what neural circuit principles explain dynamic reward learning and decision-making strategies in response to a changing environment and how we can employ these principles to better treat psychiatric disorders.

To learn more about our research program, please use the links below.

Apply to join the Lerner Lab.