Current Main Project: Incubation of Craving Observed in Context of Saccharin vs. Sucrose Taking
Starting in mid-2022, this study has been continuously investigating the effects of how exposure to a sweet solution (17 hours) affects subsequent responding for a sucrose-paired cue. The overarching goal of this study is to examine potential incubation of craving differences in rats, stratified across different incubation period and substance conditions.
Past literature produced by Dr. Grimm concerning this idea:
https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.wwu.edu/pmc/articles/PMC3890983/
https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.wwu.edu/pmc/articles/PMC4980176/
Past Project Samples
Sex differences in sucrose taking and seeking; role of orbitofrontal cortex
The general aim of the grant was to evaluate sex differences in operant-assessed sucrose taking and seeking in Long-Evans adult rats. Additionally, we examined the role of the orbitofrontal cortex in these behaviors including how environmental enrichment reduced sucrose taking and seeking.
An extensive examination of sex differences in sucrose seeking and taking (part of the aim outlined above) revealed that female rats respond for more sucrose than males and also respond more for sucrose-paired cues.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist effects expressed in sucrose taking
We examined the effects of a metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist on sucrose taking in both male and female rats and found that the drug dose-dependently reduced sucrose taking by both male and female rats. We examined the persistence of “anti-craving” effects of environmental enrichment in both male and female rats.
5-HT 1A/1B receptor agonist effects
We have conducted multiple studies and collected data as part of an evaluation on the effects of serotonin receptor agonists on sucrose taking by male and female rats. We have examined and continue to investigate the importance of aspects of environmental enrichment context on its “anti-craving” effects in male and female rats.
Environmental enrichment as a potential reinforcer
Environmental enrichment (EE) is situating rat(s) within a relatively large cage or open setting with toys, structures, and other rats. Previous literature have shown that rats exposed to EE are less interested in drugs of abuse and sugar compared to “isolated”, or unenriched, rodents. Results showed greater 
intake of flavor conditioned to EE vs. flavor conditioned to control housing.