Bill Griesar

Ph.D. Graduate (2001)

Undergraduate Degree

Sc.B. (Neuroscience, 1987), Brown University

Training at OHSU

1996 - 2001

Ph.D. Dissertation

(2001) "Cognitive Effects of Nicotine in Non-Smokers" (Mentor:  Barry Oken, M.D.)

Current position(s)

1.  Instructor in Psychology, Washington State University @ Vancouver (Introduction to Physiological Psychology, Advanced Physiological Psychology, Biopsychology of Alcohol and Other Drugs, Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory, and Cognitive Neuroscience of Emotion/Feeling)

2.  Adjunct Instructor, Portland State University, Department of Speech & Hearing (Neurology of Speech & Hearing)

Background and Interests

I like to teach, and explain how networks of linked neurons carry out complex cognitive behavior.  My dissertation research in Behavioral Neuroscience at OHSU examined nicotine effects on spatial attention, time perception, and boredom in non-smokers.  Some earlier (pre-2001) studies of nicotine had reported cognitive improvements, but assessed these changes in habitual smokers, where results may have been linked to relief from withdrawal effects.  I carried out this research in Dr. Barry Oken's lab... In addition to teaching at WSU and PSU, I routinely bring brains (rat, monkey, human) to K-8 classrooms at Sabin Elementary in NE Portland.  And if my son Jack (7) gets annoyed with his older brother Dominic (9), he blames it on his amygdala (..!)

Peer-reviewed manuscripts

“Nicotine effects on alertness and spatial attention in non-smokers,”  Nicotine and Tobacco Research (2002, 4, 185-194)