The Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR) is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists.  

Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and undergraduates engage in cutting-edge research investigating the impact of misused drugs on behavior, the brain and the immune system, with a focus on addiction and pain. Comprehensive professional and career development activities equip trainees for independent careers in academia, industry and government. 

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) T32 Training Grant 

CSAR trainees are supported by the NIH-funded NIDA T32 Training Grant: Drugs of Abuse and Related Neuropeptides (Program Director: Ellen Unterwald, PhD). This program funds seven PhD students and three postdoctoral fellows, who receive mentorship from leading experts in substance use disorders research. PhD students are selected from the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program. Postdoctoral fellows apply through their faculty mentor.  

Graduate PhD Program 

The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program at Katz is an interdisciplinary PhD program that prepares students to become independent scientific investigators. CSAR faculty actively participate in this program by providing dissertation mentorship. The PhD curriculum emphasizes scientific thinking, offering students opportunities for independent study and exploration within a supportive environment and a high faculty-to-student ratio. 

Postdoctoral Training 

CSAR offers postdoctoral fellows the opportunity to engage in high-impact research focused on translational applications under the mentorship of renowned experts in substance abuse and addiction. Fellows receive comprehensive training in advanced research techniques across various scientific disciplines, preparing them to tackle complex challenges in substance use disorder research.  

Fellows also benefit from mentorship within the CSAR faculty community. This provides diverse perspectives and guidance on research direction, career growth and professional development. In addition to scientific expertise, postdocs receive support in grant writing, publishing, networking and leadership skills. This well-rounded training ensures a successful transition to the next step in their careers, whether in academia, industry or beyond, preparing them to make significant contributions to the field. 

Undergraduate Research Opportunities 

CSAR offers undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research experience in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment. Drawing from a wide array of undergraduate research programs available across campus, CSAR provides students with the chance to work closely with faculty mentors, gaining  valuable exposure to advanced research techniques and are encouraged to explore their academic interests in translational science.

These opportunities foster critical thinking, enhance scientific inquiry skills and support professional growth. Students are encouraged to present their findings, collaborate with peers and senior students and develop skills in communication, problem-solving and research design, all of which equip them for the next steps in their educational and career journeys.