Sara Jo Nixon

Dr. Nixon’s work uses comprehensive behavioral assessments including neuropsychological testing, brain electrophysiology (electroencephalography and event-related potentials), and clinical research interviews. Her team is currently conducting a NIAAA funded R01 directed to clarifying the intersection of cognitive and emotional processing in men and women who are either seeking treatment for a substance use disorder or do not meet these criteria and might participate as community participants. A critical component of this project involves working with treatment and community groups throughout North Central Florida.

Another study in her laboratory includes analysis of a recently completed study funded by the NIAAA exploring the acute effects of alcohol in healthy older (55-70) and younger social drinkers. Although recruitment for this study has concluded, several key issues including the analysis of sex differences and driving performance under different conditions remain to be examined.

In addition to these efforts, her team is involved in the conduct of a pilot study designed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of an FDA approved medication on cognition and abstinence in small group of men and women seeking treatment for alcohol use disorders. In the near future, we anticipate initiating a Phase 2 trial that will examine the impact of a new compound on smoking cessation efforts in a sample of healthy current smokers.