MUSC SCORE

The MUSC Specialized Center of Research Excellence (SCORE) on Sex Differences is a specialized research center that is focused on biological sex-based multidisciplinary research. It is currently one of 12 SCORE centers in the country.

Background

The MUSC Specialized Center of Research Excellence (SCORE) on Sex Differences has been highly productive for 20 years. In addition to coalescing a multidisciplinary group of investigators across different disciplines working closely together to explore sex differences in substance use disorders and the relationship between stress and drug use, the MUSC SCORE has provided a fertile training ground for new investigators and attracted senior investigators to apply their skills to sex-specific research.

Current Mission

The SCORE aims to support and enhance translational scientific collaborations among investigators conducting SCORE research projects and catalyze further growth of interdisciplinary biological sex-based research at MUSC.  It also aims to expand foundational research training for MUSC Early Career Investigators dedicated to biological sex-focused translational research. To address critical public health needs, the Center’s research group includes four tightly integrated research projects, new investigators, and innovative technologies. These research projects investigate sex differences in cannabis use disorders across the lifespan, with the aim of directly informing treatment development. Finally, the Center aims to develop strategic partnerships to enhance the translation and dissemination of SCORE findings and other relevant research to improve health outcomes.

Investigators

Investigators are listed alphabetically below, along with their roles in the Center. 

Project 1 Sex Differences in the Interface between Cannabis Use & Stress among Emerging Adults
Project 2 Impact of Stress and Craving in Return to Cannabis Use in Postpartum Women
Project 3 Stress Reactivity and Cannabis Use in Cannabis-Using Older Adults
Project 4 Sex Differences in THC/CBD Self-Administration of Vulnerable Age Groups throughout the Life Span

Onder Albayram, Ph.D. - Project 4 Co-I
Nathaniel Baker, MS - Biostatistics Research Core MPI
Andreana Benitez, Ph.D. - Project 3 MPI
Kathleen Brady, MD, Ph.D. - Project 2 MPI, CEC Director
Kevin Gray, M.D. - SCORE MPI, Project 1 MPI
Connie Guille, M.D., MSCR - Project 2 MPI
Aimee McRae-Clark, PharmD, BCPP - SCORE MPI, Project 3 MPI
Brian Neelon, Ph.D. - Biostatistics Research Core MPI
Roger Newman, M.D. - Project 2 Co-I
Rachel Penrod-Martin, Ph.D. - Project 4 PI
Rachel Tomko, Ph.D. - Project 1 MPI

Evaluation Committees

Internal Evaluation Committee

Howard Becker, Ph.D.

Carol Feghali-Bostwick, Ph.D.

Marvella Ford, Ph.D.

Jakie McGinty, Ph.D.

Suzanne Thomas, Ph.D.

External Evaluation Committee

Jill Becker, Ph.D. - University of Michigan

Harriet de Wit, Ph.D. - University of Chicago

Michelle Mielke, Ph.D. - Wake Forest University

Sherry McKee, Ph.D. - Yale University

Daniele Piomelli, Ph.D. - University of California, Irvine

Marianne Seney, Ph.D. - University of Pittsburgh

Contact Us

MUSC SCORE

Addiction Sciences Division

125 Doughty Street
Suite 190Charleston, SC 29425

843-792-0484
wagne@musc.edu