Mentor

Andy Russo, PhD

Program Start

August 2019

Honors and Awards

• Emerging Advocates Program (American Migraine Foundation - 2024)
• Association of Migraine Disorders Travel Grant (Migraine Science Collaborative – 2024)
• 2nd Place Oral Presentation James F. Jakobsen Graduate Conference (University of Iowa – 2024)
• 1st Place Migraine Moment short film competition (American Migraine Foundation - 2023)
• Association of Migraine Disorders Travel Grant (Migraine Science Collaborative – 2022)
• National Institutes of Health Diversity Supplement (2021)
• Lulu Merle Johnson Fellowship (The University of Iowa – 2019)

Graduate School Publications

Zorrilla E, Della Pietra A, Russo AF. Interplay between cannabinoids and the neuroimmune system in migraine. The Journal of Headache and Pain. 2024;25(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-024-01883-3

Wattiez AS, Gaul OJ, Kuburas A, Zorrilla E, Waite JS, Mason BN, Castonguay WC, Wang M, Robertson BR, Russo AF. CGRP induces migraine-like symptoms in mice during both the active and inactive phases. J Headache Pain. 2021 Jun 30;22(1):62. doi: 10.1186/s10194-021-01277-9. Erratum in: J Headache Pain. 2021 Oct 5;22(1):115. doi: 10.1186/s10194-021-01332-5. PMID: 34193048; PMCID: PMC8243868.

Wattiez AS, Gaul OJ, Kuburas A, Zorrilla E, Waite JS, Mason BN, Castonguay WC, Wang M, Robertson BR, Russo AF. Correction to: CGRP induces migraine-like symptoms in mice during both the active and inactive phases. J Headache Pain. 2021 Oct 5;22(1):115. doi: 10.1186/s10194-021-01332-5. Erratum for: J Headache Pain. 2021 Jun 30;22(1):62. doi: 10.1186/s10194-021-01277-9. PMID: 34610787; PMCID: PMC8491374.

PhD Research Concentration

       Migraine is a complex and debilitating neurological condition with significant social and economic consequences worldwide. Although recent advances in treatments such as CGRP monoclonal antibodies and triptans have improved care for some, many migraine patients continue to experience insufficient relief, side effects, or dissatisfaction with current options. This unmet need highlights the urgency for alternative treatments. Cannabinoids, specifically CBD and THC, have gained attention as promising candidates due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as their interactions with the trigeminovascular system, a key player in migraine pathophysiology.

         During my time in the Russo lab, my work has focused on looking at the effects of cannabinoids on both peripheral and central mechanisms underlying migraine pathophysiology. Using well-established rodent models of migraine, our results demonstrate that combined administration of CBD and THC, rather than individual cannabinoid administration, offers relief from migraine-like symptoms of pain and light aversion with minimal adverse effects. This work highlights the potential of cannabinoids to address a critical gap in migraine treatment, providing new options for those who do not respond to conventional therapies.

Dissertation Topic

Investigating the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in pre-clinical models of migraine

Thesis Defense Date

November 2024