Brain cells communicate through signaling molecules across synapses to execute variety of tasks. This communication can be disrupted by several environmental contaminants including loud noise, illicit drugs and industrial solvents frequently encountered through occupational exposures or abused as inhalants. The overarching goal of our lab is to use Analytical Chemistry and complementary tools to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interactions of these external contaminants on the brain chemistry. This research goal is achieved in the following research areas: