Nicole L. Zabik, PhD
Nicole “Nikki” L. Zabik, PhD, is a research assistant professor in the research program's Emotional Neuroscience Research Laboratory, led by Dr. Jennifer Blackford, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute.
During her doctoral training, Zabik investigated how avoidance behaviors may impact fear responses and fear neurocircuitry in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, she determined that exogenous cannabinoids (i.e., THC) may be a suitable treatment adjunct for those with post-traumatic stress disorder, as it can dampen fear behaviors and fear-related neural activation.
At the Munroe-Meyer Institute, Zabik continues her cutting-edge research interests focused on avoidance of anxiety in alcohol use disorder. She is currently leading a project to investigate anxiety-related avoidance behaviors in adults who are in early abstinence from alcohol use disorder. In addition to research, Zabik mentors undergraduate students and oversees the educational and scientific opportunities for students in the Emotional Neuroscience Research Laboratory.
- PhD: Translational Neuroscience - Wayne State University School of Medicine, 2022.
- BS: Biochemistry - Oakland University, 2016.
- Zabik, N.L., Blackford, J.U. “Anxiety in Alcohol Use Disorders: From Intoxication to Abstinence”. In: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, In Press.
- Zabik, N.L., Iadipaolo, A., Peters, C.A., Baglot, S., Hill, M.N., Rabinak, C.A. “Dose-dependent effect of acute THC on extinction memory recall and fear renewal: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study”. Psychopharmacology, 2024, doi.org/10.1007/s00213-024-06702-w.
- Zabik, N.L., Flook, E., Feola, B., Benningfield, M., Silveri, M., Winder, D.G., Blackford, J.U. “BNST-network activation to unpredictable threat in adults in early alcohol abstinence”. Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, 2024, doi.org/10.1111/acer.15407.
- Zabik, N.L. & Blackford, J.U. “Sex and sobriety: Human brain structure, connectivity, and function in AUD abstinence.” Alcohol, 2024, doi.org/10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.07.003.
- Blyth, S.H., Zabik, N.L., Krosche, A., Pirsciandaro, J.J., Ward, H.B. “rTMS for Co-occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders: Narrative Review and Future Directions”. Current Addiction Reports, 2024, doi.org/10.1007/s40429-024-00542-6.
- Alcohol abstinence.
- Alcohol use disorder.
- Anxiety.
- Avoidance.
- Cannabinoids.
- Endocannabinoids.
- Functional neuroimaging.
- Negative reinforcement.
- Stress.
- Trauma.
- ACER Journal Award for Early Career Investigator Outstanding Paper, Research Society on Alcohol, 2025.
- Phoenix Excellence in Research Award, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2024.
- Early-Stage Investigator Assistance Program Funding, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 2024.
- Postdoctoral Excellence in Research Award Finalist, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2024.
- Research Society on Alcohol: Sex & Gender Satellite Meeting Travel Award, 2024.
- Gordon Research Conference: Alcohol in the CNS Presenter Travel Award, 2024.
- Munroe-Meyer Institute Research Travel Award, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2023.
- Wisconsin Symposium on Emotion Travel Award, 2023.
- Gordon Research Seminar: Cannabinoids in the CNS Presenter Travel Award, 2021.
- Society of Biological Psychiatry Predoctoral Travel Award, 2020.
- International Cannabinoid Research Society Travel Award, NIDA (R13DA016280), 2019.
- Graduate Student Professional Travel Award, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 2018.
- Research Society on Alcohol.
- Society of Biological Psychiatry.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Munroe-Meyer Institute
985450 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-5450
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