Dr. Gillian Barkell

Dr. Gillian Barkell is an assistant professor of psychology. Her specialty is behavioral neuroscience and her research uses rodent models (rats) to study the effects of alcohol and stress on future anxiety- and learning-related behaviors. She is also interested in how the neuroimmune system may play a role in these experiences. She teaches courses in biological psychology and research methods and statistics.

Education

• Ph.D., Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• M.A., Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• B.S., Psychology, Lycoming College

Specialty

Behavioral neuroscience

Professional Interests

Dr. Barkell’s research uses rodent models to investigate how prior alcohol dependence can affect behavioral changes following stress. Alcohol use disorder is often co-morbid with anxiety and stress disorders in clinical populations. By modeling aspects of these experiences in the lab, we can gain a better understanding of the brain and behavior mechanisms underlying these co-morbidities. Dr. Barkell uses a variety of behavioral tasks in the lab, including open field test, elevated plus maze, t maze, and operant responding for rewards to understand how alcohol and stress interact to produce changes in both anxiety and learning behavior.

Other Interests

Dr. Barkell loves to read, especially fantasy and sci-fi novels. She also enjoys watching movies, crafting, and hanging out with her dog.

Recent Publications

• Barkell, G.A., Parekh, S.V., Paniccia, J.E., Martin, A.J., Reissner, K.J., Knapp, D.J., Robinson, S.L., Thiele, T.E., & Lysle, D.T. (2022). “Chronic ethanol consumption exacerbates future stress-enhanced fear learning, an effect mediated by dorsal hippocampal astrocytes.” Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research, 46(12):2177-2190. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.14963
• Holstein, S. E., Barkell, G. A., & Young, M. R. (2021). “Caffeine increases alcohol self-administration, an effect that is independent of dopamine D2 receptor function.” Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.), 91, 61–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.12.004

Contact Dr. Barkell

(478) 301-2954
barkell_ga@mercer.edu
Office: Willet Science Center, Room 124