Zu Wei Zhai
Office
McCardell Bicen Hall 314
Tel
(802) 443-5842
Email
zuweiz@middlebury.edu
Office Hours
On leave 2024/2025

Zu Wei Zhai is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Middlebury College. He joined the Middlebury faculty in 2017 after completing his NIDA T32 post-doctoral training in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine. He received his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh in 2015 and his BA in Neuroscience from Middlebury College in 2007.

The Zhai lab focuses on the relationships between childhood adversity, neurocognitive development of self-regulation abilities, and the risk for substance and behavioral addictions. The interdisciplinary research combines methods in statistical modeling, epidemiology, and neuroimaging to understand addiction liability and underlying neural correlates of self-regulation. The Zhai lab also uses longitudinal and cross-sectional data from at-risk youth and their families to identify psycho-social factors that may be used to improve prevention.

Courses Taught

Course Description

Neuroeconomics
Neuroscience, when combined with economics and psychology, creates new models that help us understand how we make decisions. Our goal is to begin exploring the biological factors that lead to behavioral economic phenomena and answer important questions like: What makes us cooperate even with strangers? Why do we buy lottery tickets knowing we almost certainly will lose our money? In this course, we will examine the neural basis of strategic choice, trust and competition, motivations, neurorepresentations of reward and value, and evolution of irrational economic behavior. Major concepts will be presented with examples from human brain-imaging studies (fMRI, EEG) and animal behavioral models. (BIOL0145 or PSYC0105 or CHEM0103 or equivalent) (open to seniors by approval only)

Terms Taught

Spring 2024

Requirements

SCI

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Course Description

Fundamentals of Behavioral Neuroscience
Behavioral neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that combines approaches and knowledge from psychology, biology, and chemistry to further our understanding of human and non-human animal behavior. In this course, you will study the interrelationships among elements of the nervous systems, co-functioning bodily systems, and behavioral output such as emotions, sex, memory, consciousness, sleep, and language. You will be given an opportunity to apply your knowledge from NSCI 0251 of the nervous system at the micro and macro levels and will revisit the basic concepts of behavioral genetics and psychopharmacology. This cumulative knowledge base will serve as your foundation for advanced study of neural systems and their relative roles in progressively more complex behaviors such as basic reflexes, motivation, rational thought, neural disorders, and therapeutic efficacy. (PSYC 0105 and NSCI 0251; open to NSCI majors only, others by approval) 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab.

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024

Requirements

SCI

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Course Description

Biobehavioral Addiction
Addiction is a pervasive disorder affecting society on a global scale. To understand this complex disorder, addictions are studied from the basic neural mechanisms, such as how neurons respond to addictive substances, to psychological factors and how they protect or increase risk. In this course we will examine the principles of substance addictions, emerging behavioral addictions (internet/gaming, problem-gambling), and underlying mechanisms that drive addiction. Topics include neural pathways of addictive substances, brain functional and structural changes, theories of motivation, neuropsychological risk factors, and modern prevention and treatment. Psychology and neuroscience students will bring their relative expertise to the class for thoughtful review of the literature.(PSYC 0105; not open to first year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect.

Terms Taught

Fall 2020

Requirements

SCI

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Course Description

Clinical Neuroscience
In this course we will examine human and animal models of clinical problems of the nervous system to understand their underlying causes and emerging treatments. Readings and discussions will include foundational writings and primary literature on cutting-edge medical research in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinsonism, dementias, mood disorders, and epilepsy, as well as regenerative medicine and deep brain stimulation. Students will lead in-depth class discussions, design their own research synthesis projects, and present on their conclusions on recent ground-breaking findings in the field. (NSCI 0251; open to neuroscience majors; others by waiver).

Terms Taught

Fall 2021, Spring 2023

Requirements

SCI

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Course Description

Independent Research
Students enrolled in NSCI 0500 complete individual research projects involving laboratory or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and approved in advance by a NSCI faculty advisor. This course is not open to seniors; seniors should enroll in NSCI 0700. (Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Research
This course is for senior NSCI majors who plan to conduct one or more semesters of independent research, or who plan to complete preparatory work toward a senior thesis, such as researching and writing a thesis proposal as well as, if appropriate, collecting data that will form the basis for a senior thesis. Senior NSCI majors who plan to complete a senior thesis should register initially for NSCI 0700. Additional requirements may include participation in weekly meetings with advisors and/or lab groups and attending neuroscience seminars. (Approval required, open to seniors only)

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Thesis
Senior NSCI majors who have completed one or more terms of NSCI 0700, who have a GPA of 3.3 in their major courses, and who plan to complete a senior thesis should register for NSCI 0701 for the final semester of the senior thesis process. Students enrolled in NSCI 0701 write a thesis, give a public presentation of their research, and present an oral defense of the thesis before a committee of at least two Neuroscience faculty members. Faculty may recommend High honors in Neuroscience after considering the quality of these components of a student’s thesis and the student’s GPA in major courses. Additional requirements may include participation in weekly meetings with advisors and/or lab groups and attending neuroscience seminars. (NSCI 0700, Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Psychological Statistics
This course will examine statistical methods used in the behavioral and biological sciences. Students will learn the logic underlying statistical analysis, focusing primarily on inferential techniques. They also will become familiar with the application and interpretation of statistics in psychological empirical research, including the use of computer software for conducting and interpreting statistical analyses. (PSYC 0105; open to psychology and neuroscience majors, others by waiver. Not open to students who have taken MATH 0116 or ECON 0210) 3 hrs. lect./1.5 hr. lab

Terms Taught

Fall 2021

Requirements

DED

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Course Description

Biobehavioral Addiction
Addiction is a pervasive disorder affecting society on a global scale. To understand this complex disorder, addictions are studied from the basic neural mechanisms, such as how neurons respond to addictive substances, to psychological factors and how they protect or increase risk. In this course we will examine the principles of substance addictions, emerging behavioral addictions (internet/gaming, problem-gambling), and underlying mechanisms that drive addiction. Topics include neural pathways of addictive substances, brain functional and structural changes, theories of motivation, neuropsychological risk factors, and modern prevention and treatment. Psychology and neuroscience students will bring their relative expertise to the class for thoughtful review of the literature.(PSYC 0105; not open to first year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect.

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Fall 2022

Requirements

SCI

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Course Description

Directed Research in Psychology
Directed research provides opportunities for advanced students to become familiar with and participate in ongoing research projects under the direction of a faculty member. The student will first read background literature on the content area to be investigated and experimental methodologies to be used. Procedures involved in conducting psychological research will then be learned through firsthand experience. Potential activities include the design of research and the defining of conceptual variables and the gathering, analyzing, and interpretation of data. Finally, students will learn how to write technical articles in psychology by preparing a paper describing the project, using APA style. (Approval required; not open to first-year students) 3 hrs. lect.

Terms Taught

Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Advanced Research
A program of research arranged to meet the needs of advanced students majoring in psychology. (Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Research
A program of research arranged to meet the needs of advanced senior majors in psychology. (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Thesis Proposal
Students hoping to be considered as candidates for departmental honors must enroll in PSYC 0701 under the sponsorship of a department faculty member. Their semester’s work will culminate in the submission of a formal, written research proposal by the due date as specified by the department. If the proposal is approved, the student will enroll in PSYC 0702 during the winter term and PSYC 0703 during the spring term of their senior year. (Feb graduates should consult with their advisors about the appropriate semester in which to begin a thesis.) (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Thesis Second Semester
Students whose honors thesis proposal (PSYC 0701) has been approved will collect, analyze, and interpret their data. This is the second semester of the 3-semester senior thesis. (PSYC 0201, PSYC 0202, and PSYC 0701; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Thesis*
This is the third and final semester of the senior thesis. Students will finish analyzing and interpreting their data. This process culminates in a written thesis to be submitted by the due date as specified by the department, a presentation, and an oral defense. The decision about awarding departmental honors will be made after the student submits the thesis. (PSYC 0201, PSYC 0202, and PSYC 0702; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025

View in Course Catalog

Publications

Stefanovics, E. A., Zhai, Z. W., Potenza, M. N. (In Press). Gambling in Connecticut adolescents: Prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics, trauma exposure, suicidality, and other risk behaviors. PLOSone. 

Jalilian-Khave, L., Stefanovics, E. A., Zhai, Z. W., Potenza, M. N. (In Press). An exploratory study of prescription pain medication misuse with and without heroin use among adolescents: Associations with mental health and substance use measures. SUCHT.

McCurdy, L. Y., De Vito, E. E., Loya, J. M., Nich, C., Zhai, Z. W., Kiluk, B. D., Potenza, M. N. (2024). Structural brain changes associated with cocaine use and digital cognitive behavioral therapy in cocaine use disorder treatment. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 11, 100246.

Rostam-Abadi, Y., Stefanovics, E. A., Zhai, Z. W., Potenza, M. N. (2024). An exploratory study of the prevalence and adverse associations of in-school traditional bulling and cyberbullying among adolescents in Connecticut. J Psychiatric Research, 173, 372-380.

McCurdy, L. Y., Yip, S. W., Worhunsky, P. D., Zhai, Z. W., Kim, S., Strathearn, L., Potenza, M. N., Mayes, L. C., Rutherford, H. J., V. (2024). Neural correlates of altered emotional responsivity to infant stimuli in mothers who use substances. J Psychiatric Research, 171, 126-133.

Morie, K. P., Zhai, Z. W., Crowley, M. J., Potenza, M. N., Mayes, L. C. (2023). Relationships between prenatal cocaine exposure, cannabis-use onset and emotional and related characteristics in young/emerging adults. Substance Use and Misuse, 1-10. 

Stefanovics, E. A., Gueorguieva, R. Zhai, Z.W., Potenza, M.N. (2003) Gambling participation among Connecticut adolescents from 2007 to 2019: Potential risk and protective factors. J Behavioral Addiction, 12, 490-499.

Reynolds, M., Kirisci, L., Zhai, Z. W., Tarter, R., (2023). Substance use disorder is the outcome of deviant socialization: A prospective investigation spanning childhood to adulthood. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 227-228.

Greenberg, N.R., Zhai, Z. W., Hoff, R. A., Krishnan-Sarin, S., & Potenza, M. N. (2022). Difficulties in impulse control in adolescents with problematic use of the internet and self-injurious behaviors. Psychiatric Research, 317, 114919.

Banik, R., Islam, M. S., Ahmed, M., Mubarak, M., Rahman, M., Zhai, Z. W., Sikder, M. T., & Potenza, M. N. (2022). General psychiatric symptoms among Bangladeshi people approximately one year after the onset of the COIVD-19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry, 22, 615.

Greenberg, N.R., Zhai, Z. W., Hoff, R. A., Krishnan-Sarin, S., & Potenza, M. N. (2022). An exploratory study of problematic shopping and problematic video gaming in adolescents. PLOSone, 17, e0272228.

*Cardwell, E., Hoff, R. A., Garakani, A., Krishnan-Sarin, S., Potenza, M.N., & Zhai, Z. W. (2022). An exploratory study of anxiety-motivated gambling in adolescents: Associations with minority status and gambling, health and functioning measures. J Psychiatric Research, 151, 445-453.

Farhat, L. C., Zhai, Z. W., Hoff, R. A., Krishnan-Sarin, S., Potenza, M. N. (2022). An exploratory study of shopping to relieve tension or anxiety in adolescents: Health correlates and gambling-related perceptions and behavior. Int. J Environ Res Public Health, 19, 6169.

Sartor, C. E., Ye, F. Simon, P. Zhai, Z. W., Hipwell, A. E., & Chung, T. (2022). Cross-substance patterns of alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use initiation in black and white adolescent girls. Prevention Medicine, 156, 106979.

Zhai, Z. W., Hoff, R. A., *Howell, J. C., Wampler, J., Krishnan-Sarin, S., & Potenza, M. N. (2021). Lottery-purchasing adolescents: Gambling perceptions, problems, and characteristics. J Gambling Studies, 37, 1177-1195.

Debnath, P. R., Islam, M. S., Karmakar, P. K., Sarker, R., Zhai, Z. W., & Potenza, M. N. (2021). Mental Health concerns, insomnia and loneliness among intern doctors amidst the COIVD-19 pandemic: Evidence from a large tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. International J Mental Health and Addiction, 19, 1-21.

Garakani, A., Zhai, Z. W., Hoff, R. A., Krishnan-Sarin, S., & Potenza, M. N. (2021). Gaming to relieve tension or anxiety and associations with health functioning, substance use and physical violence in high school students. J Psychiatric Research, 140, 461-467.

Worhunsky, P. D., Angarita, G. A., Zhai, Z. W., Matuskey, D., Gallezot, J. D., Malison R. T., Carson, R. E., & Potenza, M. N. (2021). Multimodal investigation of dopamine D2/D3 receptors, default model network suppresion, and cognitive control in cocaine use disorder. Neuropscyhopharmacology, 46, 316-324.

Greenberg, N. R., Zhai, Z. W., Hoff, R. A., Krishnan-Sarin, S., & Potenza, M. N. (2020). Problematic shopping and self-injurious behaviors in adolescents. J Behavioral Addictions, 9, 1068-1078.

Zhai, Z. W., *Duenas, G. L., Wampler, J., & Potenza, M. N. (2020). Gambling, substance use and violence in male and female adolescents. J Gambling Studies, 36, 1301-1324

Sartor, C. E., Ye, F. Simon, P., Zhai, Z. W., Hipwell, A. E., Chung, T. (2020). Youth perceptions of parental involvement and monitoring, discrepancies with parental perceptions, and their associations with first cigarette use in black and white girls. J Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 81, 180-189.

Morie, K. P., Zhai, Z. W., Potenza, M. N., & Mayes, L. C. (2020). Alexithymia, emotion regulation strategies, and traumatic experiences in prenatally cocaine-exposed young adults, Am. J. Addictions, 29, 492-499.

Flayelle, M., Castro-Calvo, J., Vogele, C., Astur R., Ballester-Arnal, R., Challet-Bouju, G., Brand, M., Cardena, G., Devos, G., Elkholy, H., Grall-Bronnec, M., James, R.J.E., Jimenéz-Martinez, M., Valizadeh-Haghi, S., King, D., Liu, Y., Lochner, C., Steins-Loeber, S., Long, J., Potenza, M.N., Rahmatizadeh, S., Schimmenti, A., Stein, D.J., Tóth-Király, I., Tunney, R., Zhai, Z. W., Maurage, P., Billieux, J. (2020). Towards a cross-cultural assessment of binge-watching: Psychometric evaluation of the “Watching TV Series Motives” and “Binge-Watching Engagement and Symptoms” questionnaires across nine languages. Computers in Human Behavior, 111.

Zhai, Z. W., Hoff, R. A., *Howell, J. C., Wampler, J., Krishnan-Sarin, S., & Potenza, M. N. (2020). Differences in associations between problematic video-gaming, video-gaming duration, and weapon-related and physically violent behaviors in adolescents. J Psychiatric Research, 121, 47-55.

Zhai, Z. W., Hoff, R. A., *Magruder, C. F., Steinberg, M. A., Wampler, J., Krishnan-Sarin, S., & Potenza, M. N. (2019). Weapon-carrying is associated with more permissive gambling attitudes and perceptions and at-risk/problem gambling in adolescents. J Behavioral Addictions, 8, 508-521.

Morie, K. P., Jackson, S., Zhai, Z. W., Potenza, M. N., & Dritschel, B. (2019). Mood disorders in high-functioning autism: The importance of alexithymia and emotion regulation. J Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 2935-2945.

Zhai, Z. W., Yip, S. W., Lacadie, C. M., Sinha, R., Mayes, L. C., & Potenza, M. N., (2019). Childhood trauma moderates inhibitory control and anterior cingulate cortex activation during stress. Neuroimage, 185, 111-118.

Zhai, Z. W., Yip, S. W., Morie, K. P., Mayes, L. C. Sinha, R., & Potenza, M. N. (2018). Substance-use initiation moderates the effect of stress on white-matter microstructure in adolescents. Am J Addiction, 27, 217-224.

Zhai, Z. W., Yip, S. W., Steinberg, M. A., Wampler, J., Hoff, R. A., Krishnan-Sarin, S., & Potenza, M. N. (2017). Relationship between perceived excessive family and peer gambling in adolescent problem gambling and binge-drinking. J Gambling Studies, 33, 1169-1185.

Morie K. P., Yip, S. W, Zhai. Z. W., Sinha, R., Xu, J. Mayes, L. C., & Potenza, M. N. (2017). White-matter crossing-fiber microstructure in adolescents prenatally exposed to cocaine. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 174, 23-29

Canan, F., Karaca, S., Duzgun, M., Erdem, A. M., Karacayli E., Topan N. B., Lee, S. K., Zhai, Z. W., Kuoglu M., & Potenza, M. N. (2017). The relationship between second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratios and problematic and pathological internet use among Turkish university students. J Behavioral Addictions, 6, 30-41.

Zhai, Z. W., Pajteck, S., Luna, B., Geier, C. F., Ridenour, T. A., & Clark, D. B. (2015). Reward modulated response inhibition, cognitive shifting and the orbital frontal cortex in early adolescence. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 25, 753-764

Tarter, R. E., Kirisci, L., Reynolds, M. D., Horner, M., Zhai, Z. W., Gathuru, I., & Vanyukov, M. M. (2015). Chasing the dragon: Association between transmissible risk, affect during drug use and development of substance use disorder. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 9, 464-469.

Ridenour, T. A., Willis, D., Bogen, D., Novak, S., Scherer, J., Reynolds, M. D., Zhai, Z. W., & Tarter, R. E. (2015). Detecting initiation or risk for initiating substance use before high school during pediatric well-child check-ups. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 150, 54-62.

Zhai, Z. W., Kirisci, L., Tarter, R. E, & Ridenour, T. A. (2014). Psychological dysregulation mediates the association between quality of parent-child attachment and development of substance use disorder. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 40, 67-74.

Riggs, N. R., Tate, E. B., Ridenour, T. A, Reynolds, M. D., Zhai Z. W., Vanyukov, M. M., & Tarter, R. E. (2013). Longitudinal associations from neurobehavioral disinhibition to adolescent risky sexual behavior in boys: Direct and mediated effects through moderate alcohol consumption. J Adolescent Health, 53, 465-70.

Clark, D. B, Chung, T., Pajteck, S., Zhai, Z., Long, E., & Hasler, B. (2013). Neuroimaging methods for adolescent substance use disorder prevention science. Prevention Science, 14, 300-309.

Ridenour, T. A., Reynolds, M. D., Ahlqvist, O., Zhai, Z. W., Kirisci, L., Vanyukov, M. M., & Tarter, R. E. (2013). High and low neurobehavior disinhibition clusters within locales: Implications for community efforts to prevent substance use disorder. Am J Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 39, 194-203

Kirisci, L., Tarter, R. E., Ridenour, T. A., Zhai, Z. W., Fishbein, D., Reynolds, M. D., & Vanyukov, M. M. (2013). Age of alcohol and cannabis use onset mediates the association of transmissible risk in childhood and development of alcohol and cannabis disorders: Evidence for common liability. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 21, 38-45.

Wang, X. B., Bozdagi, O., Nikitczuk, J., Zhai, Z. W., Zhou, Q., & Huntley, G. W. (2008). Extracellular proteolysis by matrix metalloproteinase-9 drives dendritic spine enlargement and long-term potentiation coordinately. PNAS, 105, 19520-19525.

Articles Under Review

*Sirek, G., Stefanovics, E. A., Iyer, R., Potenza, M. N., Zhai, Z. W. (Under Review). Early marijuana-use and gambling relationships with substance-use and violence in representative adolescent data from Connecticut. Substance Use and Misuse.

Invited Book Chapters

Yip, S. W., Zhai, Z. W., Balodis, I. M., & Potenza, M. N. (2019). Positive valence disturbances in gambling disorder. In J. Gruber (Ed.), Oxford Handbook of Positive Emotion and Psychopathology (pp.367-379). New York: Oxford University Press.

*Denotes Middlebury College Student