Arizona State University

Research Assistant

Evaluating abuse liability and toxicity of "legal high" designer stimulants known as synthetic cathinones ("bath salts").
Exploring glutamatergic mechanisms of addiction for the development of pharmacological therapeutics.

Temple University School of Medicine

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Lucas worked at Temple University School of Medicine as a Post-Doctoral Fellow

Alkermes

Director, Field Medical Excellence - Addiction

Lucas worked at Alkermes as a Director, Field Medical Excellence - Addiction

Alkermes

Senior Medical Science Liaison

Lucas worked at Alkermes as a Senior Medical Science Liaison

Assurex Health

Medical Science Liaison

Psychiatric Pharmacogenomics

UNC Wilmington

Research Assistant

Exploring the relationship between moral dilemma contemplation and future decision-making ability.
Gender differences on human models of decision making, the Iowa Gambling Task.
Evaluating the effects of stimulants on animal models of working memory (delayed non-match to sample, incremental non-match to sample).

Nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in an adult rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural Brain Research

Nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in an adult rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural Brain Research

Chronic variable stress and intravenous methamphetamine self-administration–Role of individual differences in behavioral and physiological reactivity to novelty

Neuropharmacology

Nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in an adult rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural Brain Research

Chronic variable stress and intravenous methamphetamine self-administration–Role of individual differences in behavioral and physiological reactivity to novelty

Neuropharmacology

Effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), two synthetic cathinones commonly found in second-generation “bath salts”, on ICSS thresholds in rats

International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology

Nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in an adult rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural Brain Research

Chronic variable stress and intravenous methamphetamine self-administration–Role of individual differences in behavioral and physiological reactivity to novelty

Neuropharmacology

Effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), two synthetic cathinones commonly found in second-generation “bath salts”, on ICSS thresholds in rats

International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology

Nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in an adult rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural Brain Research

Chronic variable stress and intravenous methamphetamine self-administration–Role of individual differences in behavioral and physiological reactivity to novelty

Neuropharmacology

Effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), two synthetic cathinones commonly found in second-generation “bath salts”, on ICSS thresholds in rats

International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology

Baths salts, spice, and related designer drugs: the science behind the headlines

The Journal of neuroscience

Nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in an adult rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural Brain Research

Chronic variable stress and intravenous methamphetamine self-administration–Role of individual differences in behavioral and physiological reactivity to novelty

Neuropharmacology

Effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), two synthetic cathinones commonly found in second-generation “bath salts”, on ICSS thresholds in rats

International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology

Baths salts, spice, and related designer drugs: the science behind the headlines

The Journal of neuroscience

Sensitization to the motor stimulant effects of 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and cross-sensitization to methamphetamine in rats

Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research

Nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in an adult rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural Brain Research

Chronic variable stress and intravenous methamphetamine self-administration–Role of individual differences in behavioral and physiological reactivity to novelty

Neuropharmacology

Effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), two synthetic cathinones commonly found in second-generation “bath salts”, on ICSS thresholds in rats

International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology

Baths salts, spice, and related designer drugs: the science behind the headlines

The Journal of neuroscience

Sensitization to the motor stimulant effects of 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and cross-sensitization to methamphetamine in rats

Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research

Synthetic cathinones and their rewarding and reinforcing effects in rodents.

Advances in neuroscience (Hindawi)

Synthetic cathinones, colloquially referred to as "bath salts", are derivatives of the psychoactive alkaloid cathinone found in Catha edulis (Khat). Since the mid-to-late 2000's, these amphetamine-like psychostimulants have gained popularity amongst drug users due to their potency, low cost, ease of procurement, and constantly evolving chemical structures. Concomitant with their increased use is the emergence of a growing collection of case reports of bizarre and dangerous behaviors, toxicity to numerous organ systems, and death. However, scientific information regarding the abuse liability of these drugs has been relatively slower to materialize. Recently we have published several studies demonstrating that laboratory rodents will readily self-administer the "first generation" synthetic cathinones methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methylone via the intravenous route, in patterns similar to those of methamphetamine. Under progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement, the rank order of reinforcing efficacy of these compounds are MDPV ≥ methamphetamine > methylone. MDPV and methylone, as well as the "second generation" synthetic cathinones α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), also dose-dependently increase brain reward function. Collectively, these findings indicate that synthetic cathinones have a high abuse and addiction potential and underscore the need for future assessment of the extent and duration of neurotoxicity induced by these emerging drugs of abuse.

Nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in an adult rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural Brain Research

Chronic variable stress and intravenous methamphetamine self-administration–Role of individual differences in behavioral and physiological reactivity to novelty

Neuropharmacology

Effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), two synthetic cathinones commonly found in second-generation “bath salts”, on ICSS thresholds in rats

International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology

Baths salts, spice, and related designer drugs: the science behind the headlines

The Journal of neuroscience

Sensitization to the motor stimulant effects of 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and cross-sensitization to methamphetamine in rats

Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research

Synthetic cathinones and their rewarding and reinforcing effects in rodents.

Advances in neuroscience (Hindawi)

Synthetic cathinones, colloquially referred to as "bath salts", are derivatives of the psychoactive alkaloid cathinone found in Catha edulis (Khat). Since the mid-to-late 2000's, these amphetamine-like psychostimulants have gained popularity amongst drug users due to their potency, low cost, ease of procurement, and constantly evolving chemical structures. Concomitant with their increased use is the emergence of a growing collection of case reports of bizarre and dangerous behaviors, toxicity to numerous organ systems, and death. However, scientific information regarding the abuse liability of these drugs has been relatively slower to materialize. Recently we have published several studies demonstrating that laboratory rodents will readily self-administer the "first generation" synthetic cathinones methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methylone via the intravenous route, in patterns similar to those of methamphetamine. Under progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement, the rank order of reinforcing efficacy of these compounds are MDPV ≥ methamphetamine > methylone. MDPV and methylone, as well as the "second generation" synthetic cathinones α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), also dose-dependently increase brain reward function. Collectively, these findings indicate that synthetic cathinones have a high abuse and addiction potential and underscore the need for future assessment of the extent and duration of neurotoxicity induced by these emerging drugs of abuse.

Chronic stress enhanced fear memories are associated with increased amygdala zif268 mRNA expression and are resistant to reconsolidation

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in an adult rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural Brain Research

Chronic variable stress and intravenous methamphetamine self-administration–Role of individual differences in behavioral and physiological reactivity to novelty

Neuropharmacology

Effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), two synthetic cathinones commonly found in second-generation “bath salts”, on ICSS thresholds in rats

International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology

Baths salts, spice, and related designer drugs: the science behind the headlines

The Journal of neuroscience

Sensitization to the motor stimulant effects of 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and cross-sensitization to methamphetamine in rats

Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research

Synthetic cathinones and their rewarding and reinforcing effects in rodents.

Advances in neuroscience (Hindawi)

Synthetic cathinones, colloquially referred to as "bath salts", are derivatives of the psychoactive alkaloid cathinone found in Catha edulis (Khat). Since the mid-to-late 2000's, these amphetamine-like psychostimulants have gained popularity amongst drug users due to their potency, low cost, ease of procurement, and constantly evolving chemical structures. Concomitant with their increased use is the emergence of a growing collection of case reports of bizarre and dangerous behaviors, toxicity to numerous organ systems, and death. However, scientific information regarding the abuse liability of these drugs has been relatively slower to materialize. Recently we have published several studies demonstrating that laboratory rodents will readily self-administer the "first generation" synthetic cathinones methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methylone via the intravenous route, in patterns similar to those of methamphetamine. Under progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement, the rank order of reinforcing efficacy of these compounds are MDPV ≥ methamphetamine > methylone. MDPV and methylone, as well as the "second generation" synthetic cathinones α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), also dose-dependently increase brain reward function. Collectively, these findings indicate that synthetic cathinones have a high abuse and addiction potential and underscore the need for future assessment of the extent and duration of neurotoxicity induced by these emerging drugs of abuse.

Chronic stress enhanced fear memories are associated with increased amygdala zif268 mRNA expression and are resistant to reconsolidation

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Potent rewarding and reinforcing effects of the synthetic cathinone 3, 4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)

Addiction Biology

Nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in an adult rat model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural Brain Research

Chronic variable stress and intravenous methamphetamine self-administration–Role of individual differences in behavioral and physiological reactivity to novelty

Neuropharmacology

Effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), two synthetic cathinones commonly found in second-generation “bath salts”, on ICSS thresholds in rats

International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology

Baths salts, spice, and related designer drugs: the science behind the headlines

The Journal of neuroscience

Sensitization to the motor stimulant effects of 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and cross-sensitization to methamphetamine in rats

Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research

Synthetic cathinones and their rewarding and reinforcing effects in rodents.

Advances in neuroscience (Hindawi)

Synthetic cathinones, colloquially referred to as "bath salts", are derivatives of the psychoactive alkaloid cathinone found in Catha edulis (Khat). Since the mid-to-late 2000's, these amphetamine-like psychostimulants have gained popularity amongst drug users due to their potency, low cost, ease of procurement, and constantly evolving chemical structures. Concomitant with their increased use is the emergence of a growing collection of case reports of bizarre and dangerous behaviors, toxicity to numerous organ systems, and death. However, scientific information regarding the abuse liability of these drugs has been relatively slower to materialize. Recently we have published several studies demonstrating that laboratory rodents will readily self-administer the "first generation" synthetic cathinones methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methylone via the intravenous route, in patterns similar to those of methamphetamine. Under progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement, the rank order of reinforcing efficacy of these compounds are MDPV ≥ methamphetamine > methylone. MDPV and methylone, as well as the "second generation" synthetic cathinones α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), also dose-dependently increase brain reward function. Collectively, these findings indicate that synthetic cathinones have a high abuse and addiction potential and underscore the need for future assessment of the extent and duration of neurotoxicity induced by these emerging drugs of abuse.

Chronic stress enhanced fear memories are associated with increased amygdala zif268 mRNA expression and are resistant to reconsolidation

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Potent rewarding and reinforcing effects of the synthetic cathinone 3, 4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)

Addiction Biology

Synthetic Cathinones and Their Rewarding and Reinforcing Effects in Rodents

Advances in Neuroscience