Research Aim 
My main focus is to examine the mechanisms by which the prefrontal-basal ganglia system mediates cognitive processes, such as abstract rule-learning in both animals and humans. In addition, the involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine system in drug addiction is being examined, employing a model that combines behavioral, neuropharmacological, and neurophysiological approaches to investigate behavioral processes.
Research Topics:
The prefrontal-basal ganglia system in higher-order learning in rats and humans
Involvement of the hippocampus and the amygdala in drug addiction
Dopamine modulation on learned and spontaneous behavior
Exposure to alcohol and drugs during development and its long-term consequences in learning
To view individual members (current and past), click Lab Members.
Selected Publications
White W, Sherrill LK, White IM (2007). Time-dependent effects of amphetamine on feeding in rats. Brain Research, 26;1171:1175.
White IM, Whitaker C, White W (2006). Amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in rats: Modulation byt he ventral hippocampus. Hippocampus, 16:596-603
White W, White IM (2006). An activity indicator of acute withdrawal depends on amphetamine dose in rats. Physiology and Behavior, 87:368-376.
Chen N-H, White IM, Wise SP (2001). Neuronal activity in dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and prefrontal cortex reflecting in location of conditional visual instructions in monkeys. Experimental Brain Research, 139:116-119.
White IM, Wise SP (1999). Rule-dependent neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex. Experimental Brain Research, 126:315-335.
White IM, Doubles L, Rebec GV (1998). Cocaine-induced activation of striatal neurons during focused stererotypy in rats. Brain Research, 810:146-152.
White IM, Flory GS, Hooper KC, Speciale J, Banks DA, Rebec GV (1995). Phencyclidine-induced excitation of strital neurons in behaving rats: reversal by haloperidol and clozapine. Journal of Neural Transmission, 102:99-112.
Grants
National Institute of Health (NIH), R01, Co-PI, with Johns Hopkins University, 7/2005-6/2010
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