Dr Drake’s research has shown that a loss of function in a neuronal pathway that links the brain and spinal cord is a critical step in the emergence of chronic pain in male rats.
With support from the Foundation, Dr Drake will investigate how this loss of function affects a wider brain network that supports emotional reactivity, coping behaviour and sensory hypersensitivity. He will use state of the art computational methods to identify subtle changes in rodent behaviour related to pain, stress, and pain relief. By combining this with recordings, and the manipulation of brain activity, he will be able to relate brain function to experiences of pain and changes in behaviour.
Another major focus of Dr Drake’s fellowship will be investigating sex differences in chronic pain development.