Hypothalamic A11 Dopamine Neurons Explored in Chronic Pain Workshop

PhD Student Angela Smith to Present Findings from Dr. Kathleen Sluka's Lab

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:00am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of the human brain, with the hypothalamic region glowing in vibrant shades of blue and purple, conceptually representing the focus of research on the neurological mechanisms of chronic pain.An X-ray image reveals the inner workings of the brain, shedding light on the role of hypothalamic dopamine neurons in chronic pain.Iowa City Today

The University of Iowa's Pain Interest Group is hosting a workshop featuring PhD student Angela Smith, who will present her research on the role of hypothalamic A11 dopamine neurons in chronic pain conditions. The event is open to the public, and the university encourages individuals with disabilities to attend and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Why it matters

Understanding the neurological mechanisms underlying chronic pain is a critical area of medical research, as chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life. The findings from this workshop may contribute to the development of new pain management strategies and treatments.

The details

Angela Smith, a PhD student in Dr. Kathleen Sluka's lab at the University of Iowa, will be the featured speaker at the Pain Interest Group's upcoming workshop. Smith's research focuses on the role of hypothalamic A11 dopamine neurons in chronic pain conditions, and she will be presenting her latest findings to the audience.

  • The workshop will take place on April 1, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa.

The players

Angela Smith

A PhD student in Dr. Kathleen Sluka's lab at the University of Iowa, where she is conducting research on the role of hypothalamic A11 dopamine neurons in chronic pain conditions.

Dr. Kathleen Sluka

A professor at the University of Iowa and the supervisor of Angela Smith's PhD research.

Elyse Myers

A university employee who can be contacted to request reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who wish to attend the workshop.

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What they’re saying

“Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Elyse Myers in advance at 3194670701 or elyse-myers@uiowa.edu.”

— University of Iowa

The takeaway

This workshop represents an important opportunity for researchers, clinicians, and members of the public to learn about the latest developments in the understanding of chronic pain and its underlying neurological mechanisms. The university's commitment to accessibility and inclusion ensures that this event will be accessible to all interested parties.