Kathryn Biernacki, PhD
Dr. Biernacki’s research investigates neural mechanisms underlying decision-making and craving in substance use disorders, with the goal of identifying targets for novel interventions to reduce substance use. She integrates neuroimaging (MRI) and computational modelling to characterize these neural and behavioral processes and applies non-invasive neuromodulation (TMS) to modulate them. Her work aims to reduce craving, improve decision-making and ultimately enhance treatment outcomes.
Research Information
Representative Publications
Biernacki, K., Goldstein, R. Z., Güth, M. R., Alia-Klein, N., Cole, S., Ray, S., & Baker, T. E. (2025). Blunted anterior midcingulate response to reward in opioid users is normalized by prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation. Translational psychiatry, 15(1), 340.
Biernacki, K., Molokotos, E., Han, C., Dillon, D. G., Leventhal, A. M., & Janes, A. C. (2023). Enhanced decision-making in nicotine dependent individuals who abstain: a computational analysis using hierarchical drift diffusion modeling. Drug and alcohol dependence, 250, 110890.
Biernacki, K., Lopez-Guzman, S., Messinger, J. C., Banavar, N. V., Rotrosen, J., Glimcher, P. W., & Konova, A. B. (2022). A neuroeconomic signature of opioid craving: How fluctuations in craving bias drug-related and nondrug-related value. Neuropsychopharmacology, 47(8), 1440-1448.
Biernacki, K., Lin, M. H., & Baker, T. E. (2020). Recovery of reward function in problematic substance users using a combination of robotics, electrophysiology, and TMS. International journal of psychophysiology, 158, 288-298.