TEAM
Shana Augustin, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Contact: shana.augustin@northwestern.edu
Luana Freese, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Dr. Luana Freese earned her Ph.D. in Pharmacology in 2016 from the Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Brazil, where she studied the influence of gender, choice, and environmental enrichment on psychostimulant reward and intravenous self-administration paradigms. During this time, she completed a research internship at the Université de Bordeaux, France. Subsequently, in her postdoctoral training at the same institution, she investigated the effects of female hormonal cycles on the GABAergic system after cocaine exposure. For over 15 years, Dr. Freese has also contributed to multidisciplinary teams developing public policies to address substance use disorders in her country. Outside the laboratory, Luana enjoys CrossFit training, is an enthusiastic white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and treasures philosophical conversations as well as sharing laughter with her loved ones.
Contact: luana.freese@northwestern.edu
Emilce Artur de la Villarmois, PharmD, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Emilce’s journey into neuroscience began with a deep curiosity about the brain’s complex response to addictive substances. She earned her PharmD and Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences (Psychopharmacology) from the National University of Córdoba, Argentina, where she studied the neurobiological mechanisms underlying associative learning in the development of addiction and dependence. During her doctoral studies, Emilce also dedicated time to teaching pharmacology, a rewarding experience that allowed her to support future professionals. She is proud to have seen her students graduate and now calls many of them colleagues in the pharmaceutical field. After completing her doctoral studies, Emilce pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), investigating how early-life stress shapes neural circuit development and increases vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. Currently, she focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms involved in reward-related behaviors, aiming to uncover insights for developing new therapeutic strategies. In her free time, Emilce enjoys practicing yoga, reading novels while drinking mate—her favorite Argentinean drink—and spending time with her loved ones.
Yasmeen Lowe, B.S.
Graduate Student, NUIN
Yasmeen earned her B.S in Neuroscience from DePaul University, where she studied the effects of in utero exposure to environmental contaminants on anxiety and depressive-like behaviors. Shortly after graduating, she completed a post-baccalaureate research fellowship where she examined oxytocin and dopamine interactions in the medial prefrontal cortex. Currently, her project in the Augustin Lab seeks to understand how endocannabinoid signaling in the globus pallidus may contribute to ethanol-related behaviors. In her free time, Yasmeen enjoys exploring the different coffee shops Chicago has to offer, roller-skating, and spending time with friends and family.
Contact: yasmeen.lowe@northwestern.edu
Anthony James Jr., B.A.
Postbaccalaureate Fellow
Anthony James Jr. earned his BA in Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Chicago in 2023, where he studied how attentional performance affects subsequent memory. During his time at the university, he also studied how in-vivo dopaminergic signaling from the ventral tegmental area to hippocampus shapes cognitive field mapping in mice. He is now interested in understanding how neuromodulatory processing affects synaptic plasticity and automated movement. Outside of the lab, Anthony enjoys watching tv, reading comics, and skateboarding.
Contact: anthony.jamesjr@northwestern.edu
AUGUSTIN LAB 