Elizabeth Riley

Changes in the structure or function of neuromodulatory nuclei are directly and mechanistically associated with some of the costliest, most distressing, and least addressable human health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, substance abuse, major depression and schizophrenia. In addition to their roles in disease, the brain’s modulatory neurotransmitters play both ancient and exapted roles in modern lives, modulating our abilities to focus, sleep, respond to stress, and manage rewarding or addicting stimuli. The common thread uniting Dr. Riley’s research interests is the role of these ancient, conserved neuromodulatory systems, and their support of complex cognitive functions in health and disease in humans. Dr. Riley uses structural and functional MRI, pupillometry, neurocognitive assessment, genetic analysis, measurement of many clinically relevant variables such as metabolic health, blood pressure, and blood sugar control, sensory testing, and a wide variety of sociodemographic measures to assess the function and health of neuromodulatory systems, particularly the locus coeruleus/norepinephrine (LC-NE) system, across the lifespan. Her work also now includes vagus nerve stimulation designed to tune and improve LC-NE functioning.

In addition to her interest in neuromodulators, Dr. Riley also feels strongly that the scientific mindset itself is a contributor to human thriving. She see the process of investigation as a profoundly hopeful human endeavor that should be shared whenever possible, and scientific literacy as crucial protection against confusion, exploitation and ill health. In order to share the process of investigation, Dr. Riley collaborates directly with communities, bringing participants to Cornell who might otherwise have no contact with research science, and delivering public lectures and workshops to all ages, from kindergarten through senior citizens. She shares all research results directly with participants.