Craig T. Werner, Ph.D., Senior Director of Neuroscience
Craig Werner, Ph.D., is the senior director of Neuroscience at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery (NCWR) at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. He has more than 15 years of experience studying substance use disorder neurobiology, including research on synaptic mechanisms, neuroepigenetics and microcircuits, resulting in more than 30 peer-reviewed publications. At NCWR, Werner leads an interdisciplinary research team focused on leveraging innovative approaches to developing novel treatments for substance use disorder and pain..
Shailesh Khatri, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Shailesh Khatri, Ph.D., is a principal investigator at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery specializing in pharmacology and neuroscience. His work aims to find new treatments for drug addiction by studying the underlying causes. Khatri is improving laboratory techniques to test potential medications more efficiently. He has also published research and holds a U.S. patent for a method that could help treat conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, which may also lead to new ways to treat addiction.
Khatri remains committed to advancing pharmacology and neuroscience research, with a focus on the biological underpinnings of addiction. His work continues to help pave the way for innovative treatments for substance use disorders.
Amanda Wunsch, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Amanda Wunsch, Ph.D., is a principal investigator at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery, with expertise in behavioral neuroscience. She has published more than 15 peer-reviewed research papers in scientific journals using preclinical models of psychiatric diseases – including substance use disorder, anxiety, depression and fear – to characterize genes and brain circuits involved in these disorders. Recently, her work has focused on studying how the brain is involved in cravings for drugs and examining whether negative emotional states arise during drug abstinence. Wunsch leads pre-clinical in vivo sciences at NCWR, where she screens novel drug candidates in models of pain and substance use disorder using advanced behavioral neuroscience techniques.
Svetlana Bobkova, M.D., M.S., scientist
Dr. Svetlana Bobkova is a scientist at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in Russia and began her clinical career in emergency medicine, where she focused on patients with substance use disorders. Bobkova now works in preclinical drug discovery research, using behavioral neuroscience techniques to investigate the mechanisms and potential treatments for pain and substance use disorders.
Brandon Curry, Scientist
Brandon Curry is a scientist at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery. He has been instrumental in developing the neuroscience research program that investigates the neurobiology of addiction and substance use disorder. He has co-authored several research publications and presented at prestigious conferences, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of neuroscience. Curry is dedicated to uncovering the molecular mysteries of substance use disorder and contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge for better health outcomes.
Josh Yoder, Associate Scientist
Josh Yoder is an associate scientist at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery. His previous work as a certified nursing assistant reinforced his interest in biomedical and microbiological research. Yoder’s background includes experience in various fields, including the study of genetic factors that influence the development and structure of specific organisms, traits, or species. He brings a unique skill set to NCWR, where he continues to focus on the root causes of substance use disorder and future solutions for pain management.
