Carleigh Litteral | University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences

Carleigh Litteral

Graduate Research Assistant - Justin X. Moore Laboratory

Graduate Research Assistant - Martel M. Martel Laboratory

Patient Engagement Specialist - Landmark Recovery

Carleigh A. Litteral, BS, is a dedicated researcher and Patient Engagement Specialist with a unique personal journey that fuels her commitment to addiction neuroscience. After surviving a life-threatening neurological crisis and facing years of recovery, Carleigh found her calling in addiction research, using her experiences to fuel her work. Her academic journey, marked by dual bachelor's degrees in psychology and neuroscience, has been complemented by impactful research, including publications in Scientific Reports and Bipolar Disorders. Carleigh's profound personal insights and academic expertise drive her focus on unraveling the genetic, neurobiological, and environmental underpinnings of substance use disorders. Currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Kentucky, Carleigh continues to inspire through her resilience and dedication, both in her research and as a mentor to those in recovery.

Contact Information

cali232@uky.edu

Kastle Hall Rm 111I

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, Experimental Psychology - Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Expected 2028
Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience, University of Louisville, 2022
Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Louisville, 2022
Graduated with Honors

Affiliations

Psychology

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Selected Publications

Selected Publications:

Martel, M.M., Goh, P.K., Eng, A.G., Monticello, N., Litteral, C.A., & Eisenlohr-Moul, T.A. (under review). Impulsivity moderates end-of-cycle but not midcycle effects on executive function and ADHD symptoms. JOPBA.

· This study, investigating hormonal influences on impulsivity in ADHD among women, underscores the importance of end-of-cycle effects on impulsive symptoms and cognitive markers, shedding light on potential hormonal sensitivities in this population.

Crump, C.J., Litteral, C.A., Elsayed, O.H. and El-Mallakh, R.S. (2022), Pimavanserin for Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder. https://doi.org/10.1111/bdi.13191

· In addition to its effect on Parkinson’s disease psychosis, Pimavanserin has also demonstrated efficacy in schizophrenia and dementia-related psychosis. This study is the first demonstration of this drug’s potential efficacy in bipolar disorder.

Gao, Y., Mack, A. A., Litteral, C., Delamere, N. A., and El-Mallakh, R. S. (2022). NMDA Receptor Inhibition Prevents Intracellular Sodium Elevations in Human Olfactory Neuroepithelial Precursors Derived from Bipolar Patients. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14187-w 

· This study utilized the sodium ionophore monensin to examine the role of the NMDA receptor in the increased intracellular sodium concentrations of individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) during manic states. The results suggest a central role of the NMDA receptor, which may explain why some NMDA antagonists, such as lamotrigine and ketamine, are effective in the treatment of BD.