Carl Erwin B. Rodriguez, MS

Education

MS - Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut
BS - Psychology, California State University, East Bay

Curriculum Vitae

Carl is a third-year doctoral student in the Behavioral Neuroscience PhD program. His thesis project investigated opioid induced hyperalgesia (OIH), a paradoxical condition in which repeated opioid use leads to increased pain sensitivity. The goal of the project is to determine whether activating the endocannabinoid system can block the development of OIH, leading to new treatments for this chronic condition.

Prior to joining UConn and Dr. Kinsey’s laboratory, he worked under Dr. Ram Kandasamy at Cal State East Bay where he measured pain-related behaviors and identified drugs that can provide pain relief without side effects (e.g., sedation). Specifically, he used home-cage wheel running to determine how pain affects movement and behavior and whether drugs can restore wheel-running behavior decreased by pain. Additionally, he wrote a literature review that details the analgesic effects of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in Cannabis. Both of these experiences sparked his interest in finding alternative safer pain treatments given the dangerous and unpleasant side effects of existing analgesics. Therefore, Carl extends this line of research by investigating analgesic effects and potential side effects of cannabinoids.

When not in the lab, Carl enjoys hiking, drawing digital art, sports, and trying new things.

Publications

Vanegas, S.O., Reck, A.M., Rodriguez, C.E.B., Marusich, J.A., Yassin, O., Sotzing, G., Wiley, J.L., Kinsey, S.G. (2022). Hemp-derived Δ⁸-tetrahydrocannabinol produces physical dependence in mice. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 240:109640.

Rodriguez, C. E. B., Ouyang, L., & Kandasamy, R. (2021). Antinociceptive effects of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in Cannabis. Behavioural Pharmacology. PMID: 33709984