Daniel da Silva, PhD, MSc

Daniel da Silva, PhD. is an Assistant Professor of the Nash Family Department of Neuroscience. His research is primarily focused on integrative and translational approaches to investigate the molecular, cellular, and synaptic mechanisms contributing to individual vulnerability to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). He completed his postdoctoral work at the NIH/NIAAA in Dr. Alvarez's laboratory, where he focused on the neurobiology of compulsive behaviors. In this capacity, he conducted groundbreaking research that identified distinct molecules and circuits involved in the transition from hedonic alcohol consumption to compulsive use. Notably, he was the first to establish a connection between the Parkinson-related gene Lrrk2, the modulation of dopamine D1 receptors, and the regulation of alcohol consumption in both mice and humans. More recently, he employed cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell RNA-sequencing and multiomic approaches to identify candidate cellular and molecular changes driving compulsive alcohol drinking in mice.