Austin Pothikamjorn

I am a research assistant at the Schmidt Lab where we are studying GLP-1R agonists (like the popular weight loss drugs, Ozempic and Zepbound) and how they can be repurposed as treatments for substance use disorders. I became interested in this field after first discovering it in my neuropsychopharmacology class and have since been fascinated by the neural circuitry behind motivation and reward. Currently, l am investigating the interpeduncular nucleus, a brain region we found where GLP-1R agonists may act to mediate opioid-seeking behavior. I am specifically exploring the impact of these drugs on dopamine neurotransmission. Outside the lab, l am the vice president of clinical operations for PennKDSAP, executive editor for the Penn Healthcare Review, and the biology department head of Moelis Access Science at the Netter Center. In my free time, I enjoy playing frisbee on high rise field, finding new restaurants in Philadelphia, and traveling.

  • Ernest M. Brown, Jr. College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant
  • Pincus-Magaziner Family Undergraduate Research and Travel Fund
  • SfN 2024 Trainee Professional Development Award
Academic Major(s): Neuroscience
Austin Pothikamjorn