Jessi Cucinello-Ragland

As a postdoctoral fellow in the Moron-Concepcion Lab, my research is focused on investigating the underlying neurobiology involved in the intersection of chronic pain, opioid use disorder, and alcohol use. This research interest stems from my graduate work in the Department of Physiology at LSU Health New Orleans, where I identified a sex-specific role of endocannabinoid signaling in alcohol-induced anti-nociception. Building from this, I am currently interested in the role of the frontocortical endogenous opioid receptor system in regulating alcohol effects on fentanyl-seeking behavior in the context of persistent inflammatory pain in mice. Using a combination of behavioral, molecular, pharmacological, and viral approaches, I aim to uncover sex-dependent contributions of endogenous opioids in alcohol-opioid interactions. The ultimate goal of this research is to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of polysubstance use in people with chronic pain.

When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy spending time with my son, FaceTiming my adorable niece and nephew, and cooking, baking, and eating good food.