The Hentges lab aims to understand the neuronal underpinnings that drive individuals to persist in maladaptive behaviors even in the face of dire, potentially life-threatening, consequences. To get at this, we use animal models of eating disorders and drug intake and examine the development of neuronal changes in homeostatic and reward circuits. The hope is to identify novel targets or intervention strategies to reduce the reinforcing effects of maladaptive behaviors.

Novel approaches
By borrowing findings and technical approaches from other fields, we try to look at substance use and eating disorders in new ways. We adopt new research strategies as needed to test whatever hypotheses the data lead us to. Sometimes this means employing the latest research techniques or techniques borrowed from other disciplines, and sometimes this means revisiting classic methods and approaches when that is what is needed for the question at hand.
 
Teamwork
We recognize that the complex questions we aim to address require complex approaches and multiple perspectives. Therefore, we are a highly diverse and collaborative group welcoming all levels of training and fields of study. We work with other labs to ensure proper expertise in the approaches needed to address our, or their, hypotheses.