Adrianna Kirckof, M.S. (she/her)

It’s important to recognize that every student learns differently, and as an instructor, I work to adapt to each student’s needs. As a first-generation scholar, I’ve had the opportunity to teach and collaborate with individuals from underrepresented backgrounds — experiences that have shaped and inspired my career.

I aim to help students uncover their passions and discover what motivates them to become lifelong learners.

What advice do you have for first year students?

I strongly encourage students to ask for help. If you have questions about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Share a bit about your education journey. What did you take away from it?

I began my undergraduate studies as an animal science major, then explored social work and psychology before ultimately completing a double major in neuroscience and psychology. My academic journey has been intentionally non-linear—driven by curiosity, reflection, and a desire to understand human experience from multiple angles. These varied perspectives, shaped through both undergraduate and graduate work, continue to inform how I teach, mentor, and connect with students.

I focus on social neuroscience and how relationships influence brain function and neurochemistry.

Selected Publications

• Kirckof, A., Kneller, E., Vitale, E. M., Johnson, M. A., and Smith, A. S., 2025. The effects of social loss and isolation on partner odor investigation and dopamine and oxytocin receptor expression in female prairie voles. Neuropharmacology, Vol. 267, Article 110298.
• Gossman, K. R., Lowe, C. S., Kirckof, A., Vanmeerhaeghe, S., and Smith, A. S., 2024. Corticotropin-releasing factor and GABA in the ventral tegmental area modulate partner preference formation in male and female prairie voles. Frontiers in Neuroscience, Neuropharmacology section. DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1430447.
• Vitale, E. M., Kirckof, A., and Smith, A. S., 2023. Partner-seeking and limbic dopamine system are enhanced following social loss in male prairie voles. Genes, Brain and Behavior. DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12861.