Rate My Professor Anna Lee

Dr. Lee's research elucidates the molecular basis of behavior, with a focus on mechanisms mediating alcohol and nicotine addiction, including co-addiction. Her work examines nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and their subtypes in reward and aversion processes, cholinergic regulation of alcohol aversion, sex-dependent regulation of nAChR gene expression, and the abuse liability of electronic cigarette liquids. She employs transgenic mouse models, viral manipulations, pharmacological tools, and behavioral assays. Key publications include Pawaskar et al. (2025) on flavor compounds in e-cigarette liquids enhancing nicotine consumption in mice (Nicotine Tob Res); Gao et al. (2023) on nAChR subunit expression in ventral tegmental area and locus coeruleus neurons (Eur J Neurosci); Moen and Lee (2021) on sex differences in the nAChR system impacting nicotine and alcohol reward (Front Neurosci); and Touchette et al. (2018) on sazetidine-A reducing alcohol consumption without affecting nicotine intake (Neuropharmacology). The Lee Lab has trained multiple PhD graduates, including Sarah Mulloy (2024, now postdoctoral fellow at Vanderbilt), Margot DeBaker (2022), and Janna Moen (postdoctoral fellow at Yale), as well as MS students and post-baccalaureates who advanced to further training or industry positions.