Payton Antonacci

Background

About Payton Antonacci

Research Associate at the University of Texas at Austin in the Department of Psychology. I work on a project investigating the effects of gonadal hormones on alcohol consumption and relapse behaviors, with a particular focus on hormonal contraceptive use. My role involves designing and conducting behavioral experiments, managing data collection and analysis, and contributing to manuscript preparation. I’m especially interested in the intersections of neuroendocrinology, addiction science, and women’s health. Through my work with animal models, I’ve developed a deep respect for hands-on animal care and welfare. I’m passionate about producing research that informs more inclusive, sex-specific treatment strategies for substance use disorders, and I hope to eventually transition into a role where I can continue supporting animal well-being in clinical or rescue settings.