Graduate Research Associate
School of Nursing
University of Connecticut
231 Glenbrook Rd U-4026
Storrs, CT 06269
Education
MS - Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut
BS - Neuroscience, West Virginia University
Curriculum Vitae
I am a fourth-year doctoral student in the Behavioral Neuroscience PhD program. My research is focused on non-traditional opioid and cannabinoid pain treatments. Using a range of behavioral and immunological approaches, the goal of my dissertation project is to determine the role of RGS12 (Regulator Of G Protein Signaling 12) in kappa opioid receptor signaling.
My interest in research began while working under Dr. Cole Vonder Haar at West Virginia University where I assisted in investigating the inflammatory mechanism through which traumatic brain injury's cause behavioral changes. While in the lab, I was involved with a publication that viewed how an anti-inflammatory therapeutic could potentially decrease impulsivity and risky decision-making in rats. This experience inspired me to pursue my PhD and find more effective and safe ways for treating chronic pain.
While not in the lab, I enjoy listening to music, playing games, and the outdoors.
Publications
Reck, AM, Reiley, Vanegas, SO, Shook, NJ, Kinsey, SG, Casavant, S. Risks of cannabinoid exposure on birth outcomes: a systematic review. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. In press.
Reck, A.M., Siderovski, D.P., Kinsey, S.G. (2025). The synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 reduces experimental pruritus via CB2 receptor activation. Neuropharmacology. 264:110216.
doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110216
Rodriguez, C.E.B., Vanegas, S.O., Reck, A.M., Schrom, Y., Kinsey, S.G. (2025). Combining endocannabinoid and cyclooxygenase inhibitors to attenuate postsurgical pain. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. In press.
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.
Pechacek, K., Reck, A., Frankot, M., & Vonder Haar, C. (2020). Minocycline Fails to Treat Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Impulsivity and Attention Deficits. Experimental Neurology. In press.