Tuscher Lab

Jennifer Tuscher, Ph.D. is a neuroscientist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). Her research investigates the neurobiological basis of memory persistence and how sex steroid hormones shape this process. Dr. Tuscher’s experimental approach integrates transcriptomics, chromatin dynamics, neuropharmacology, immunohistochemistry and behavioral assays to uncover the mechanisms that support neuroplasticity and memory. These approaches collectively offer insights into how maladaptive memories contribute to the perpetuation of substance use disorders and provide a foundation for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.

Prior to joining the faculty at MCW, Dr. Tuscher completed her postdoctoral work under the mentorship of Dr. Jeremy Day, where she investigated cell-type specific transcriptional changes that arise after drug experience and withdrawal. Dr. Tuscher received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee working in the lab of Dr. Karyn Frick, where she examined the cell-signaling pathways engaged by estradiol in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex to drive spinogenesis and facilitate memory. She also has a M.S. in experimental psychology from UW-Milwaukee and B.S. in biology from UW-Madison.