Rafael Perez’s work focuses on determining the brain regions that mediate how contextual cues modify opioid analgesic tolerance. Over the award period, he has identified cortical regions and cell populations that play critical roles in the formation and retention of contextual opioid tolerance. His findings became the basis of a successful K99 application, bringing him one step closer to achieving his dream of establishing a lab to research novel treatment options for drug use disorders while training the next generation of diverse scientists.
His work aims to deepen our understanding of the factors controlling analgesic tolerance, which will inform the development of treatments to prevent use escalation while minimizing pain. Dr. Perez is the first postdoctoral scholar to integrate the Kavli steering committee, allowing him to shape the Institute’s direction. Being a Kavli awardee brought him training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities.