Scott Steffensen, (PhD)

Dr. Steffensen’s research is devoted to the characterization of neuronal circuits and adaptive brain processes involved in natural rewarding behaviors, drug abuse, and drug dependence.  The long-term goal of Dr. Steffensen’s research is to identify the molecular substrates in the brain reward system that adapt to chronic drug use and to subsequently explore treatment strategies that might reverse drug dependence. Dr. Steffensen also has a recent, ongoing interest in alternative, non-pharmacological treatments for dopamine-dependent disorders like addiction, Parkinson’s disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and restless leg syndrome. Dr. Steffensen is a neuropharmacologist by degree and an electrophysiologist by training. His research program has been funded continuously by NIH for nearly 40 years.  He has published 110 original research articles, 50 undergraduate and graduate student theses, and 6 book chapters and reviews.  He has presented at over 220 research conferences, was issued 1 patent and one pending patent, has mentored 6 post-doctoral fellows, 9 PhD candidates, 21 Master's degree candidates, employed 25 research assistants, and mentored over 2000 undergraduate students during his 23 year tenure at Brigham Young University.  He was the recipient of the 2019 Alumni Professorship Award for teaching and mentoring at BYU.  He is currently a Professor Emeritus at BYU, a Professor at the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine in Provo, UT, and working with Dr. Nate Schilaty, a former graduate student, at the USF College of Medicine.