Wendy Lynch, PhD
The Committee on Women in Medicine and Science (COWIMS) is proud to recognize Wendy Lynch, PhD, as May’s Woman of the Month. Dr. Lynch, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, is being honored for her pioneering research in the field of addiction neuroscience.
The Department Chair of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences and Wilford W. Spradlin Professor Anita Clayton, MD, praises Dr. Lynch’s contributions. “The Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences has strength in research and clinical care in women’s mental health and addictions. Dr. Wendy Lynch is our anchor in basic science for the assessment of sex differences, the effects of hormonal changes across time, and the interaction between sex steroids and neurotransmitters using rodents,” stated Dr. Clayton. “She is incredibly collaborative and has consistently been an outstanding mentor in the BIMS program. Her positive, can-do attitude, coupled with a brilliant and creative mind, is exceptional!”
Dr. Lynch dedicates her research to understanding how the brain changes once addiction has taken hold. Her lab focuses on the neurobiology of addiction, using preclinical models to explore the intricate processes that underlie substance use disorders. By including both male and female subjects in her studies, Dr. Lynch also sheds light on crucial sex differences in how addiction develops and manifests in the brain.
Her research has shown that females are generally more vulnerable than males to the reinforcing effects of drugs across all stages of addiction, including acquisition, maintenance, escalation, and relapse. Her lab is particularly interested in identifying the biological factors behind these sex differences. This includes exploring the role of hormones, age, dopaminergic signaling, and the interactions between these elements.
In addition to investigating the biological underpinnings of addiction, Dr. Lynch’s lab is actively exploring potential pharmacotherapies. Animal models play a central role in this work, helping to clarify how potential medications influence behavior and brain function. This research is not only critical for developing effective treatments but also for identifying individuals who may be at greater risk for addiction.
The ultimate aim of Dr. Lynch’s work is to uncover new interventions for treating substance use disorders in humans. Through a combination of behavioral, pharmacological, and molecular techniques, her lab continues to make strides toward a deeper understanding of addiction—and a future where recovery is more attainable for all.
As the nation faces rising addiction rates, research like Dr. Lynch’s is playing a vital role in shaping future treatment options and informing public health strategies. COWIMS celebrates Dr. Wendy Lynch for her dedication, innovation, and impactful contributions to science and medicine.
If you would like to nominate a future COWIMS Woman of the Month, fill out this brief nomination form.
Filed Under: Faculty