Education:
B.S., Biology: Georgia State University
PhD, Pharmacology: University of Louisville

Summary Statement:
Dr. Duncan does research at UNC that has two main components. The first involves basic research into effects of drugs used to treat schizophrenia. The second is elementary and middle school neuroscience education curriculum development.

In the basic research studies with antipsychotic drugs, we examine biochemical and behavioral effects of the drugs in animal models. The models are based on manipulation of the brain chemistry by drugs and genetic engineering to mimic changes that may occur in schizophrenia. Better understanding the biological effects of antipsychotic drugs could develop more effective treatment strategies for schizophrenia.

In the neuroscience education work, we are developing hands-on activities that use visual arts, drama, and music to make learning fun. We have named this effort the Brain Explorers program and have had great feedback from teachers, parents, and students. Our goal is to create a greater sense of awareness of the biological basis of brain function and behavior, through an enjoyable science learning experience. We are working toward incorporating the activity-based lessons developed into public school health curricula.

Representative Publications:
1. Duncan, G.E., Miyamoto, S., Gu, Hongbin, Lieberman, Jeffrey A., Koller Beverly H, Snouwaert, John N. Alterations in regional brain metabolism in genetic and pharmacological models of reduced NMDA receptor function. Brain Research, 951: 166-176, 2002.

2. Miyamoto S, Duncan GE, Goff DC, Lieberman JA. Neuropsychpharamcology The Fifth Generation of Progress Chapter 56: Therapeutics of Schizophrenia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, pp. 775-807, 2002.

3. Miyamoto, S., Leipzig, J.N., Lieberman, J.A., Duncan, G.E. Effects of ketamine, MK-801, and amphetamine on regional brain 2-Deoxyglucose uptake in freely moving mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 22:400-412, 2000.

4. Duncan, G.E., Miyamoto, S., and Lieberman, J.A. Comparison of the effects of clozapine, risperidone, an olanzapine on ketamine-induced alterations in regional brain metabolism. J. Pharamcol. Exper. Ther. 293:8-14, 2000.

5. Marx, C., VanDoren, M.J., Duncan, G.E., Lieberman, J.A., Morrow, L.A. Olanzapine and Clozapine Increase the GABAergic Neuroactive steriod allopregnanolone in rodents. Neuropsychopharmacology, in press.