Dr. Marcinkiewcz's research focuses on the role of serotonergic circuits in alcohol dependence, mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, her lab has been investigating the effects of heavy alcohol consumption on neuroinflammation in chronic metabolic and pain disorders, including diabetes-related neuropathic pain. She is particularly interested in identifying neural circuits that are impacted by early adolescent exposure to alcohol and high fat diet, leading to altered energy homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and neuropathic pain in later life.