Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Orsini received her Bachelor’s of Science from Washington College, majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience. She subsequently attended graduate school at the University of Michigan and was trained under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Maren. After receiving a PhD in Psychology (with a focus on Biopsychology), Dr. Orsini began a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Florida with Drs. Barry Setlow and Jennifer Bizon. She completed her postdoctoral training in 2019 and joined the Department of Psychology and the Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research as an Assistant Professor in September 2019. She was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in September 2025.

Dr. Orsini’s research seeks to understand the neurobiological and hormonal mechanisms underlying cost/benefit decision making and how the compromise of such processes may contribute to maladaptive choice behavior associated with  substance use disorder. The overarching goal of this research is to develop and advance therapeutic strategies to improve pathological decision making and executive functioning and, ultimately, prevent continued substance use and promote abstinence.

Aside from her love of the brain, Dr. Orsini enjoys running, reading and painting.

Orsini CV 2026 June

Payton Kahanek

PhD Student – Pharmacology & Toxicology

Payton’s research delves into the intricate relationship between traumatic stress and decision-making, particularly in the context of substance usedisorders. She also explores the underlying neurocircuitry driving these phenomena. Beyond her academic pursuits, Payton enjoys paddle boarding, sewing, and spoiling her cat, Craig.

PhD Student – Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program

Hannah’s work investigates the effects of hormones and the postnatal environment on the neural substrates underlying risk-based decision making. In particular, she is interested in the ways that early life stress alters functions of dopaminergic circuitry. In her free time she enjoys running, crafting, and maintaining her growing collection of houseplants.

Lab manager and technician

Lab technician

Allison received her Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at UT Austin. She is currently working as a research technician in the Orsini lab, supervising much of our optogenetic studies. Broadly, Allison is interested in researching behavioral neuroscience as well as the neurobiology behind neurological and mental disorders. When not in the lab, she enjoys crocheting, baking, and playing board games with friends.