Izzy Neel

I am an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at High Point University. I earned my Ph.D. in Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology from Wake Forest University and my B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience from Centre College. My doctoral training was supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program and focused on how membrane cholesterol regulates dopamine signaling and how exposure to cocaine alters lipid metabolism within the brain.

My research examines why foods and addictive drugs change the brain, with a particular focus on dopamine signaling within neural circuits involved in reward, motivation, and behavior. My laboratory investigates how brain lipids, including cholesterol and ceramides, interact with the cytoskeleton, G protein signaling, and post-translational modifications to regulate dopamine transporters and receptors. I am also interested in whether GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide may have therapeutic benefits for binge eating and addiction.

As an educator and mentor, I am committed to making neuroscience engaging, relevant, and accessible to undergraduate students. I teach courses in systems neuroscience, neuroanatomy, and modern neuroscience research techniques. In both the classroom and laboratory, I emphasize hands-on learning, scientific reasoning, and student involvement in authentic research. My goal is to help students develop the confidence and skills needed to ask meaningful scientific questions, communicate their findings, and pursue careers in neuroscience, medicine, research, and health care.

 
Lab Website

For a list of Dr. Neel’s research works, please click here