Neuroscience Student Wins ASPET Travel Award

By Dirk Hoffman

She received the award for her research focusing on how neurons in the brain’s reward system, specifically dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), change their activity after repeated methamphetamine (METH) use and periods of abstinence.

Using a mouse model, the researchers study how these neurons “fire” or send signals in response to METH exposure.

“Our preliminary data suggests that after stopping METH, some neurons increase their burst-like activity, suggesting that the brain is adapting over time,” Saddler says. “These changes could help explain why people experience long-lasting effects on motivation, decision-making and reward-related behaviors after using stimulants.”

Saddler says the goal of the research is to better understand how chronic METH use alters the brain’s reward system and how these changes persist during abstinence.

“By studying these adaptations in our experiments, we hope to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to addiction and, later, relapse,” she says. “Ultimately, this knowledge could inform the development of better or improve current treatments for stimulant use disorder, improve recovery strategies and help reduce the long-term health and social impacts of METH addiction.”

Born and raised in Jamaica, Saddler earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a minor in psychology at UB. She is currently a third-year PhD candidate in the neuroscience program at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

While she initially planned to pursue medical school, her passion for research truly developed in her junior year when she joined a biochemistry lab and led her own independent project.

“Designing experiments, analyzing data and troubleshooting challenges in real time was both intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding. However, what truly shifted my perspective was seeing the direct impact of our findings,” Saddler says. “Knowing that the data I generated could help provide clarity for families who had long been without answers made the work deeply meaningful.”

Having worked in multiple labs, Saddler says she was impressed “by UB’s collaborative research environment and the accessibility of faculty mentorship.”

Saddler says her mentor, Sergio Dominguez-Lopez, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacology and toxicology, has guided her “not only in developing technical skills and experimental design, but also in thinking critically about scientific questions and interpreting complex data.”

“His mentorship has encouraged me to take ownership of my projects while providing thoughtful guidance when challenges arise.”

Dominguez-Lopez says Saddler has proven to be an outstanding PhD student.

“In a new research group, dependable and talented students play a vital role, and Ruth-Ann exemplifies these qualities,” he says. “She dedicates substantial daily hours to laboratory tasks, which is crucial for finishing complex experiments within tight deadlines. She is an exemplary student with an impressive dedication for science.”

Dominguez-Lopez says Saddler has shown impressive progress in her neuroscience PhD, demonstrating resilience, curiosity, and dedication.

“She tackles complex questions with rigor and creativity, collaborates effectively, and contributes valuable insights,” he says, noting that Saddler has mastered techniques such as surgery, behavioral training, and electrophysiological neuronal recordings, establishing herself as a promising researcher in addiction neurobiology.

“This is not only the assessment of a proud mentor. Ruth-Ann’s work has begun to gain recognition outside our institution, and I believe the ASPET travel award is one of several achievements that will reflect it,” Dominguez-Lopez adds.

The travel award covers ASPET 2026 registration and up to four nights at the official headquarters hotel.

“It means a lot to me to have the chance to share my findings, receive feedback, engage in discussions and learn from other researchers, which will help me grow as a scientist,” Saddler says.

“Additionally, being able to present at a national conference like ASPET reinforces my commitment to pursuing a career in neuroscience research to help positively impact lives and inspires me to continue exploring the mechanisms that underlie addiction and neurodegeneration.”