On April 17th, Suraj Neelamagam presented his senior thesis at the UPenn Neuroscience Research Symposium. Conducted in collaboration with Antonia Caffrey and Riley Merkel under the advisement of Dr. Heath Schmidt, his research explored how GLP-1 receptors in the central amygdala (CeA) can be targeted to reduce cocaine-seeking behavior.
His findings show that the CeA-to-NAc circuit plays a critical role in the behavioral effects of Exendin-4 (Ex-4), suggesting that this pathway is responsible for GLP-1R-mediated attenuation of cocaine reinstatement. The research also found that increased GLP-1R signaling is associated with reduced anxiety-like behaviors.
Suraj will be graduating in May 2026. Congratulations on this incredible milestone!