James Patrick Fowler

Biography

James Patrick Fowler is a Specialist in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at the University of California, Irvine, where he has worked since 2014. He manages complex laboratory operations including maintenance of mouse breeding colonies with multiple genetic lines, conducts behavioral neuroscience studies involving nicotine and cannabinoid self-administration in rodents, and oversees laboratory infrastructure including equipment systems and networks. Fowler serves as the laboratory's Safety On Site Representative and provides training and mentorship to students and new employees in research techniques.

Fowler's technical expertise spans molecular biology, histology, and behavioral neuroscience methods. He performs genotyping using PCR protocols, tissue sectioning with microtomes, immunofluorescence labeling, and Western blotting for protein analysis. He has designed and fabricated specialized equipment for behavioral studies, including conditioned place preference chambers and vapor chambers for passive and self-administration studies. His work supports research on nicotinic cholinergic signaling, substance use disorders, and the neurobiological effects of nicotine and cannabinoids.

Fowler has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications and conference abstracts examining topics such as nicotine self-administration, the effects of adolescent cannabinoid and nicotine exposure, cholinergic signaling mechanisms, and the development of therapeutics for substance use disorders. His collaborative research has been published in journals including the Journal of Neuroscience, eNeuro, Addiction Biology, and Neuropsychopharmacology. Prior to his academic career, Fowler worked in restaurant management for 14 years. He attended Tallahassee Community College and Santa Ana College.