Currently, my research focuses on the examination of the two most commonly co-used psychoactive substances, nicotine and alcohol. I am interested in the behavioral, biological and pharmacological factors that might potentially mediate the co-use of nicotine and alcohol, and how changes in the rewarding and/or aversive properties of either drug might contribute to the overall reinforcing value of the combination. I am especially interested in examining the interaction of nicotine and alcohol at the receptor level (e.g., using specific nAChR agonists/antagonists) to elucidate the biological factors regulating their co-use. In addition to nicotine and alcohol, I am, in general, interested in drugs used in combination, particularly those that are licit or commercially available. Additionally, I am interested in other individual characteristics that may be militating factors for drug use and dependence, i.e., the effects of sex, strain, or drug history, etc.

PUBLICATIONS
Journal Articles and Proceedings
1. Rinker, J.A., Busse, G.D., & Riley, A.L. An assessment of sex differences in nicotine-induced conditioned taste aversions. Pharmacology, Biochemistry & Behavior, 2007; In Press.
2. Rinker, J.A., Busse, G.D., Roma, P.G., Chen, S.A., Barr, C.S., & Riley, A.L. The effects of nicotine on ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversions in Long Evans rats. Psychopharmacology, (Submitted for Publication-July 2007).

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Oral Communications
1. Rinker, J.A., Busse, G.D., & Riley, A.L. (October 2006). Sex differences in the aversive properties of nicotine: assessment of nicotine-induced taste aversions. Society for Neurosciences, Atlanta, GA.
Poster Presentations
1. Rinker, J.A., Busse, G.D. & Riley, A.L. (June 2007). The effects of nicotine on ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversions. College on Problems of Drug Dependence, Quebec City, Canada. [Full Text]