Laurent Martin, PhDAssistant Professor, Pharmacology and AnesthesiologyUniversity of ArizonaDr. Laurent Martin is a researcher and educator dedicated to understanding and treating pain through innovative, non-pharmacological methods. With joint appointments in the Departments of Pharmacology and Anesthesiology at the University of Arizona, Dr. Martin's work intersects the fields of neuroscience, pain management, and Alzheimer's disease research.As an expert in neuromodulation, behavioral evaluation, and biochemistry, Dr. Martin's research focuses on developing therapies that alleviate pain and anxiety while minimizing reliance on traditional pharmacological treatments like opioids. His studies on green light-emitting diodes (GLED) have demonstrated their potential to modulate pain pathways, offering hope for conditions such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Martin's work bridges preclinical and clinical domains, employing techniques like photoneuromodulation, genetic editing, behavioral evaluation (both in humans and rodents), and advanced imaging to uncover the mechanisms of pain perception.At the crossroads of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and pain research, Dr. Martin explores how pain is processed in AD and evaluates its effects on cognitive abilities. By addressing the challenges faced by this population, his work aims to improve patient care and enhance understanding of the interplay between chronic pain and neurodegenerative disorders.In collaboration with colleagues, including Drs. Frank Porreca, Trent Anderson, and Mohab Ibrahim, Dr. Martin has contributed to several impactful projects. These include investigating the role of microglia morphology in pain and cognitive disorders, advancing phototherapy for veterans with mild traumatic brain injury, identifying sex-specific nociceptors, and developing wearable GLED devices.Dr. Martin is an active mentor, guiding MD/PhD students and supporting early-career scientists in their professional journeys. His contributions extend to clinical trials, where he evaluates novel therapies, and applies his expertise in sensory testing and behavioral analysis to improve patient care.Dr. Martin has published extensively on pain mechanisms, Alzheimer's disease, and neuromodulation. He continues to pursue innovative solutions to address Arizona’s opioid crisis and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain.When he's not in the lab, Dr. Martin enjoys exploring the outdoors through motorcycle road trips and hiking, writing French poetry, and experimenting with French cuisine. His dedication to both science and creativity demonstrates his holistic approach to understanding and enhancing the human experience.