Our Research Lab

Dr. Wheeler received his graduate degree in neuroscience at Penn State University. There he studied the neural substrates of motivated behavior. He learned electrophysiological and electrochemical techniques in his postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina.

At Marquette University, Dr. Wheeler applies these techniques to understand how the neural systems that regulate hedonic and emotional processing influence motivation.  

robert.wheeler@marquette.edu

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Dan received his Ph.D. in Ralph Miller’s lab at SUNY Binghamton where he studied the acquisition and expression of anxiety. As a postdoctoral fellow in Peter Holland’s lab at Johns Hopkins University, he investigated the role of the amygdala in various learning and memory processes. In the Wheeler lab, Dan primarily examines the physiological intersection of stress and addiction using a variety of in vivo and in vitro measures of electrochemical neural activity.

daniel.wheeler@marquette.edu

Elaine is a PhD candidate in the Neuroscience program who is conducting her research in the Wheeler lab. Elaine's research investigates the role of dopamine in motivating behaviors as a result of adverse experiences. She wants to know if changes in dopamine signaling is required for the aversion-induced behavioral changes that have been seen in the lab. Outside of work, she spends a lot of time outdoors with her dog, Capsaicin – they love taking hikes and checking out all the local dog parks!  

elaine.grafelman@marquette.edu

Beliz is a senior graduate student at the Medical College of Wisconsin working with Dr. John Mantsch and collaborating with the Wheeler lab on chronic stress projects. Beliz’s research projects are focused on understanding the role of stress-induced upregulation in REDD1 on cognitive and affective processes and cellular function.

beliz.kurtoglu@marquette.edu

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In the Wheeler lab, Bridgitte is working to understand how D1 and D2 nucleus accumbens neurons encode aversive stimuli and influence behaviors like drug-seeking. Bridgitte also serves as a Graduate Student Representative for the Marquette Neuroscience Program. 

Outside of the lab, she loves visiting local farmer's markets and raising her two cats, Fig and Olive!

bridgitte.cote@marquette.edu

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Lisa is a Marquette University alumna with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering. She majored in biomechanics and minored in biological sciences. Subsequent to graduation, she did a biomedical sciences graduate program also at Marquette. Lisa worked in a laboratory setting for over a year before returning to Marquette. She is looking forward to learning more about how trauma affects dopamine levels in the brain leading to drug-seeking and helping to make positive contributions to science and society. Outside of the lab, she enjoys playing basketball, softball, kickball, flag football, running, doing yoga, going to kickboxing and other workout and dance classes, and cooking healthy meals. 

lisa.vlach@marquette.edu​​

College of Health Sciences

College of Health Sciences

College of Health Sciences

College of Health Sciences

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Hannah is a pre-med undergraduate majoring in biomedical sciences minoring in health communication who joined the lab in 2024. Outside of the lab she is the treasurer of Art club, plays piano in the Marquette Jazz ensemble, and enjoys watching films.

College of Health Sciences

College of Health Sciences

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Nino is a pre-med undergraduate majoring in biomedical science and  pursuing an Italian minor. He joined the lab in 2022. Nino aims to attend medical school and ultimately perform lots of clinical research in addition to patient care. Outside of the lab Nino is treasurer of the research club, a member of neuroscience club, as well as Greek life and club basketball

College of Health Sciences

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Mowaffak is majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a goal to pursue an MD-PhD in the future. He likes to code, tutor at his Non-Profit ReRite Refuge, and play soccer.