Dr. Matthew McMurray
Principle Investigator, Teacher, Outdoor Enthusiast
My Story
From my earliest research experiences at the USEPA, where I studied the neurobehavioral effects of water contaminants, I have been fascinated by the mechanisms through which our brain controls our behavior and how these mechanisms can be disrupted. During my doctoral work with Josephine Johns, I built on this early experience to study how in utero exposure to cocaine alters the brain and behavior of the developing offspring. I have since focused my research on the period of adolescence, which is when most individuals have their first experience with drugs of abuse. This continues to be the focus of my current work, but I am also very interested in the basic neurobiology of decision making and impulsivity. These are some of the last cognitive processes to develop, and so are some of the most likely to be disrupted by chemical abuse.
Education
Postdoctoral, Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program
University of Illinois at Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Advisor: Dr. Jamie Roitman
PhD, Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program
University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
Advisor: Josephine Johns
MA, Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program
University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
Advisor: Josephine Johns
BA, Psychology
University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
Professional Recognition
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Outstanding Pre-Health Faculty Member of the Year (2019), Mallory-Wilson Center for Healthcare Education, Miami University
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Nominee, Outstanding Professor Award (2017), Associated Student Government, Miami University
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Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31) Predoctoral Fellowship (2009)
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NIDA Predoctoral Training Grant (2005, 2007), UNC Department of Psychology
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NIAAA Predoctoral Training Grant (2006), UNC Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies
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Small Animal Imaging Grant (2007), UNC NDRC Neuroimaging Core
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Junior Investigator Award (2012, 2015), Research Society on Alcoholism
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UNC Graduate Mentor Support Award (2009)
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Richard King Graduate Research Excellence Award (2009), UNC Department of Psychology
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Travel Awards to attend the National Postdoctoral Association, International Behavioral Neuroscience Society, and Research Society on Alcoholism annual meetings (2007, 2008)