Dr. Stefan Clemens, Ph.D.
Research Interests
Our lab is interested in understanding the organization and the functioning of the spinal cord, and the neural networks that drive and modulate this integral part of the nervous system. Dysfunctions in spinal neural circuits are involved in several neurological disorders, and, to date, our work has yielded multiple patents for new treatment options for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and pain. We are currently exploring the interactions of dopamine and opioids on identified neural circuits, and their potential role in neural scar formation.
Some keywords associated with our research are:
- Sensory-motor functions (reflexes)
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
- Neuromodulation
- Dopamine receptor function
- Dopamine/morphine interactions
- Chronic pain
- Electrophysiology in vitro
Education/Employment
- M.Sc in Biology (1991); University of Münster, Germany
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Pharmacology (1998); University of Bordeaux, France
- Postdoc (1998-2002); Georgia State University
- Postdoc (2002-2005); Emory University
- Research Instructor (2005-2008); Emory University
- Assistant Professor (2008-2015); East Carolina University
- Associate Professor (2015-2021); East Carolina University
- Professor; East Carolina University