
Stephen Sammut, B. Pharm, Ph.D.
Associate ScholarDr. Stephen Sammut received a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Monash University in Victoria, Australia and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Malta in Malta, Europe. His research interests lie in the utilization of behavioral models and combined experimental techniques to investigate the interactions among the endocrine, immune and nervous systems and their role in central nervous system (CNS) development, functioning and psychopathology. His scientific career experience has been broad and has included investigation in a number of animal models of psychiatric disorders including depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and psychostimulant-induced drug sensitization. Moreover, he has utilized various laboratory and whole organism techniques in order to investigate questions related to behavior, cellular activity, neurotransmitter release, and how these are altered in psychiatric diseases in brain regions of interest.
Dr. Sammut has authored and co-authored several papers in leading scientific journals related to the research he has conducted, including his groundbreaking study describing an animal model which addresses the behavioral and physiological impact of drug-induced abortion. He has also presented his work at various conferences and institutions nationally and internationally. His scientific career has given him the unique experience of having a leading role in the establishment and management of laboratories.
Dr. Sammut is currently a Full Professor of Psychology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, where he teaches and is also actively involved in research. His research efforts are focused on three primary areas: 1) research geared at investigating the neurological, biological and behavioral consequences of drug-induced abortion in an animal model, 2) research seeking to establish a pre-clinical model addressing the abortion pill reversal, and 3) research addressing the development of an animal model for embryo transfer in ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, and in line with his research interest in psychopathology, Dr. Sammut also conducts research addressing mental health and related behaviors in the university student population.