Laureta Gashi shares her PhD project, which investigates Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) from a sex-specific perspective. The conversation introduces AUD in accessible terms and explores how biological and physiological differences between males and females can influence addiction development, progression, and treatment outcomes. The discussion highlights the growing importance of incorporating sex-based analysis into addiction research, addressing historical gaps where such differences were often overlooked. Laureta also explores methodological considerations for investigating AUD, highlighting electrophysiology as a highly informative but labour- and time-intensive technique, and discusses common misconceptions related to alcohol dependence.

Additionally, she shared her experience of being a PhaNuSpo student representative and the importance of this role in fostering collaboration and support among PhD students, as well as the personal and professional benefits of academic engagement.

In summary, this episode provides scientific insight and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a doctoral researcher, while also highlighting the intersection of science and student advocacy.

Laureta’s latest publication on AUD:

Gashi L, Khom S. Engagement of the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Thalamus During Withdrawal-Related Learning: Implications for Alcohol Use Disorder. Biological Psychiatry. In Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science. 2026 January, 6(1):100621. DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2025.100621.