Neurobiology of Stress and Trauma / Brain-Gut Microbiome Axis

Dr Rachel Moloney 

Dr. Moloney's current research is focused on understanding the role of traumatic stress on brain circuitry and its impact on fear and social behaviours, particularly in the context of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Her lab focuses on stress neurobiology across the lifespan, utilizing cutting edge tools such as DREADDs to manipulate neuro-circuitry and to unravel these corticolimbic circuits. Dr. Moloney is also interested in the role of the brain-gut microbiome axis in stress-related illnesses as well as the impact of stress on pain sensitivity and spinal circuitry.

I welcome enquires from students interested in discussing MSc or PhD opportunities and post-doctoral researchers wishing to join the research group. If you have ideas for collaborations on existing work or would like to discuss your own research interests then there are a number of PhD studentships, Postdoctoral fellowships and other funding schemes available which I am more than happy to discuss this with you in the first instance by email rachelmoloney@ucc.ie