Sara Keefer

Assistant Professor

Psychology

Contact

Email

skeefer@gettysburg.edu

Phone

(717) 337 - 6184

Box

Campus Box 0407

Address

McCreary Hall
Room 317
300 North Washington St.
Gettysburg, PA 17325-1400

Education

BA Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, 2012
MA Boston College, 2014
PhD Boston College, 2018
Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Maryland 2018-2023

Academic Focus

Behavioral Neuroscience

My research program examines the brain mechanisms that drive reward learning behaviors in rats. These behaviors can be adaptive, such as where to find food, but can also be maladaptive, such as during addiction. I am interested in studying individual differences in this learning and why some individuals transition into addiction-like behaviors but not others. In general, my research examines motivation, behavioral flexibility, risk-taking, and the brain mechanisms that drive these behaviors.

For more insight into the research interest of the lab, please explore Professor Keefer’s previous publications.

Courses Taught

Introduction to the anatomical, physiological, and biochemical bases of human behavior. Topics include the neurobiology of motivation, emotions, and psychopathology. Topics are discussed within comparative and evolutionary frameworks, with a particular emphasis on developing an ability to conceptualize psychological phenomena in biological terms. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 or permission of instructor.
Examination of how psychoactive compounds affect the brain, behavior, and cognition. The major neurochemical systems of the brain and how psychoactive compounds affect these systems are discussed at length. Topics include both recreational and psychotherapeutic agents. Methods used in psychopharmacology research are emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 and 236, or permission of instructor.