Kate M Wassum

Kate M Wassum's projects resonate with pressing global needs in understanding the intricate neural mechanisms underlying decision-making and motivated learning. As a distinguished psychology professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), she has carved a niche in the field of behavioral neuroscience, focusing on how neurochemical processes influence decision-making and addiction. Her research is pivotal in shedding light on the complexities of value-based decision-making, with implications for addressing issues such as addiction and obesity. With an academic foundation rooted in neuroscience from UCLA and psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wassum's interdisciplinary approach combines behavioral paradigms with advanced neuropharmacological and neurochemical techniques. This allows her to delve deeply into the neurochemical basis of motivated learning, exploring how neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate contribute to reward processing and decision-making. Wassum's contributions to the field are not only theoretical but also practical, as her work informs strategies for tackling addiction and other behavioral disorders. Her research has revealed critical insights into the role of opioid receptors in reward processing, offering potential pathways for therapeutic interventions. Her studies on extracellular glutamate events and dopamine signaling have been particularly influential, advancing our understanding of the neurochemical dynamics involved in learning and decision-making. In addition to her research, Wassum is actively engaged in the academic community as an editor for prestigious journals such as eLife and the Journal of Neuroscience. Her editorial work ensures the dissemination of high-quality research, fostering advancements in neuroscience and psychology. Her extensive publication record reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field, with numerous studies that have significantly impacted our understanding of neurochemical mechanisms in motivated learning. Kate M Wassum's dedication to exploring the neural underpinnings of decision-making and motivated learning continues to inspire both her peers and students. Her work not only enhances our scientific understanding but also holds promise for developing effective interventions for behavioral and neurochemical disorders. Through her research and academic contributions, Wassum remains at the forefront of efforts to unravel the complexities of the human brain and behavior.