Patrick L. Sheets, PhD

Bio

I have an extensive background in pharmacology, biophysics, and neurobiology with specific expertise in ion channel physiology, electrophysiology, retrograde labeling in the brain, cortical circuit mapping, high resolution imaging, and optogenetics. Outside of the lab I enjoy cooking, biking, golfing, weightlifting, and spending time with my family. I am also an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Purdue Boilermakers.

Honors and Awards

2002

Distinguished Student Award Academic Excellence

Purdue University

2005

Best Poster Award

Indianapolis Society for Neuroscience

2005

Paul and Carole Stark Research Fellowship

IU School of Medicine

2006

Society for Neuroscience Travel Award

2007

Travel Award for Outstanding Abstract

Indiana University

2007

KK Chen Fellowship

IU School of Medicine

Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology

2008-2010

Institutional National Research Award

T32 Trainee

Northwestern-NIH

2010-2012

National Research Award

F32 Postdoctoral

NIH

2014-2015

Leadership in Academic Medicine Program

Trainee

IU School of Medicine

Titles & Appointments

Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology

Education

2012 FEL Neurobiology Postdoctoral Fellowship, Northwestern University

2007 PhD Indiana University

2003 MS Purdue University

2001 BS Purdue University
Research

The main objectives of my laboratory are to elucidate the functional organization of circuit pathways involved in pain modulation and to understand how these same pathways are altered by different modalities of pain. Our lab uses a multifaceted approach (pain models in mice, retrograde labeling, slice electrophysiology, laser scanning photostimulation, high resolution imaging, optogenetics, behavior) to resolve these critical unknowns. The rationale for ourwork is that identifying the neural mechanisms through which pain alters circuit function in defined brain pathwayswill produce critical knowledge regarding the affective and emotional dimensions of pain. Such an understanding can lead to novel strategies for therapeutic intervention and improvement of clinical guidelines.

Research Labs

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Faculty Labs