Alexander Hoffman, Ph.D.

Research Interests

Dr. Hoffman obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in the laboratory of Dr. Greg Gerhardt.  His dissertation focused on neurochemical measurements of dopamine release in the substantia nigra and the therapeutic use of the nerve growth factor GDNF in a rodent model of Parkinson’s Disease.  After joining NIDA IRP as a postdoctoral fellow in 1999, he began studying the cellular actions of cannabinoids in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens.  Since becoming a Staff Scientist in 2004, Dr. Hoffman has continued to apply intracellular and extracellular recording techniques to examine the effects of abused drugs on synaptic function.  In addition, he has served as the Chair of the Animal Care and Use Committee and has trained numerous students and post-doctoral fellows in electrophysiological and voltammetric recording techniques. In recognition of his outstanding mentoring skills, he received the Staff Scientist Mentoring Award in 2015.

Publications