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Georgianna Gould, Ph.D.

Associate Professor | Research

Cellular and Integrative Physiology

Currently seeking Ph.D. students

Dr. Gould conducts basic neuroscience research on the role serotonin and other excitatory biogenic amines play in the development and maintenance of social behaviors. Her postdoctoral studies in pharmacology in the laboratory of Dr. Alan Frazer (UTHSCSA 2002-2007) focused primarily on the role of transporter function in antidepressant action and on behavioral models of depression in rats.   Through collaborations she later investigated evolutionary divergences in the ligand binding properties of monoamine transporters between fish and mammals, and effects of low dose pesticide exposures on monoamine systems.  Dr. Gould joined the Department of Physiology in 2008, and currently utilizes mouse and fish model systems in her research, and has focused on autism etiology and treatment, mainly in the context of how social behavior is regulated by serotonin.  She is a member of the Society for Neuroscience, Society of Toxicology among other professional organizations, and has served on an NSF study section.  She is and has been PI on several funded projects, including one of ten congressionally directed Autism Idea Awards granted by the Department of Defense in 2012. Some of Dr. Gould’s research was contracted by the Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio from 2010-2013. In this capacity she has examined the effects of steroid hormones at and pharmacological targeting of serotonergic and cannabinoid systems in the brain.  Dr. Gould appreciates the opportunity to mentor undergraduate and high school students, and is active in the START-UPs, Health Careers High School and Voelcker Academy programs.