Alexa Torrens is the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Highlighted Trainee Author for the July 2020 issue. Ms. Torrens is a pre-doctoral trainee at the University of California, Irvine. Her mentor is Dr. Daniele Piomelli. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics article that earned her selection as a Highlighted Trainee Author is titled “Comparative Pharmacokinetics of ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Adolescent and Adult Male Mice” and is available at https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.120.265892.
Ms. Torrens’ area of research is pharmacology of cannabinoid agents. Her current research involves comparative pharmacokinetic studies on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the intoxicating constituent of cannabis, in adolescent and adult mice and rats of both sexes.
The anticipated impact of Ms. Torrens’ research will help to better understand how THC interacts with the human brain across the life span. As the legal status of cannabis changes in the US and around the world, there is a growing need to understand how age influences the pharmacological properties of THC. She is focusing on adolescence right now because it is a particularly sensitive period of brain development.
When not in the lab, Alexa enjoys going on adventures with her two dogs, Kuma and Tora. She also likes gardening, spending time with family, and laughing with friends.