Long Bio
Miles Orchinik is a neuroscientist who studies how stress alters behavior, brain function, and the endocrine system. When a vertebrate is “stressed” by negative conditions, the body releases cortico-steroid hormones. In the brain, these hormones produce changes in neuronal function that help to deal with an immediate threat. When this stress response is persistently activated, harmful changes in brain function may result.
Orchinik’s team studies cellular, molecular and behavioral responses to stress hormones in a variety of species. His team investigates cortico-steroid action primarily in brain regions that integrate information during acute stress responses. They also study the importance of cells that are born in adult vertebrate brains.
He is also interested in science education research, particularly in how undergraduates learn core concepts, and which teaching methods are most effective at promoting learning.
Education
Ph.D. Oregon State University 1992
Video
Publications
- Vanmali, B., C.D. Wright, K. Remington, K. Hill, and M. Orchinik. (2013) Putting it all together: Using active learning and graduate TA training to enhance undergraduate biology education. 10th Annual Biology Leadership Conference, Marana, AZ.
- Orchinik, M., Moore, M., Mumaw, L. and Moore, S. (2012) e-Lab: Seeing GABAA Receptors at Work: Quantifying Radioligand Binding and Its Modulation by Endogenous Signaling Molecules. Neurovisions (www.neurovisions.info;Science Approach, Tucson, AZ). Online course module to supplement curricula used in undergraduate neuroscience, psychology, and biology courses and serve as replacement unit for course laboratories
- Hill, K. and Orchinik, M (2012) Identifying shifts in TA’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK): Outcomes of a “Scientific Teaching” course for biology graduate teaching assistants at a large research university.
- Fokidis, B.K., Orchinik, M., and Deviche, P. (2011) Context-specific territorial behavior in urban birds: no evidence for involvement of testosterone or corticosterone. Hormones and Behavior 59: 133-143, PMID: 21078324
- Feng, N., Lowry, C.A,. Lukkes, J.L., Orchinik, M., Forster, G.L., Renner, K.J. (2010) Organic cation transporter inhibition increases medial hypothalamic serotonin under basal conditions and during mild restraint. Brain Research 1326: 105-113http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2010.02.044
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- Breuner, C.W. and Orchinik, M. Pharmacological characterization of intracellular, membrane, and plasma binding sites for corticosterone in house sparrows. General and Comparative Endocrinology (2009).
- Feng, N., Telefont, M., Kelly, K., Orchinik, M., Forster, G.L., Renner, K.L., and Lowry, C.A. Local perfusion of corticosterone in the rat medial hypothalamus potentiates D-fenfluramine-induced elevations of extracellular 5-HT concentrations: potential role of corticosterone-sensitive organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3). Hormones and Behavior (2009).
- Fokidis, B.K. Orchinik, M., and Deviche, P. Corticosterone and corticosteroid binding globulin in birds: Relation to urbanization in a desert city. General and Comparative Endocrinology (2009).
- Gasser, P., Orchinik, M., and Lowry, C.A. Distribution of organic cation transporter 3, a corticosterone-sensitive monoamine transporter, in the rat brain. Journal of Comparative Neurology 512(4): (2009).
- P Gasser, Miles Orchinik. Vasopressin-induced translocation and proteolysis of protein kinase Calpha in an amphibian brain: Modulation by corticosterone. Brain Research (2007).
- P Gasser, C Lowry, Miles Orchinik. Corticosterone-sensitive monoamine transport in the rat dorsomedial hypothalamus: potential role for organic cation transporter 3 in stress-induced modulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission. Journal of Neuroscience (2006).
- Orchinik, Miles (Author) ,Propper, C R (Author) . Hormone Action on Receptors. Endocrine Disruption: Biological Basis for Health Effects in Wildlife and Humans (2006).
- N Feng, B Mo, J Johnson, Miles Orchinik, C Lowry, K Renner. Local inhibition of organic cation transporters increases extracellular serotonin in the medial hypothalamus. Brain Research (2005).
- A Steiner, L Watkins, A Romanovsky, D Dogan, A Ivanov, S Patel, A Rudaya, D Jennings, Miles Orchinik, T Pace, K O'Connor. A new function of the leptin receptor: mediation of the recovery from lipopolysaccharide hypothermia. FASEB J (2004).
- C Breuner, Miles Orchinik, T Hahn, S Meddle, I Moore, N Owen-Ashley, T Sperry, J Wingfield. Differential mechanisms for plasticity of the stress response across latitudinal gradients. American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative, and Comparative Physiology (2003).
- Miles Orchinik. Special Issue: Stress Hormones and Behavior. Hormones and Behavior (2003).
- Orchinik, Miles. Stress Hormones and Behavior. (2003).
- C Breuner, Miles Orchinik. Plasma binding proteins as mediators of corticosteroid action in vertebrates. J. Endocrinol (2002).
- Orchinik, Miles,Gasser, P,Breuner, C. Rapid Corticosteroid Actions on Behavior: Cellular Mechanisms and Organismal Consequences. Hormones, Brain and Behavior (2002).
- Johnson, P, Gasser, P, Orchinik, Miles, Lightman, S, Lowry, C. Corticosterone induces serotonin accumulation in 3rd ventricular ependyma expressing a novel monoamine transporter. (2002).
- Martin, R, Orchinik, Miles, Deviche, P, Donaghy-Fonseca, B, Sharp, P. Testosterone treatment of a male songbird inhibits hypothalamo-pituitary gonadotropic activity while inducing gonadal development. (2002).
- B McEwen, N Weiland, S Carroll, Y Li, Miles Orchinik. Heterogeneity of hippocampal GABAA receptors: regulation by corticosterone. J.Neurosci (2001).
- C Breuner, Miles Orchinik. Seasonal regulation of membrane and intracellular corticosteroid receptors in the House Sparrow brain. J.Neuroendocrinol (2001).
- C Lowry, K Kedzie, K Renner, F Moore, Miles Orchinik. Rapid changes in monoamine levels following administration of corticotropin-releasing factor or corticosterone are localized in dorsomedial hypothalamus. Horm.Behav (2001).
- P Deviche, C Breuner, Miles Orchinik. Testosterone, corticosterone, and photoperiod interact to regulate plasma levels of binding globulin and of free steroid hormone in Dark-eyed Juncos, Junco hyemalis. Gen.Comp.Endocrinol (2001).
- . . Avian Endocrinology (2001).
- Breuner, C, Orchinik, Miles, Hahn, T, Wingfield, J. Mechanisms of plasticity in the stress response in three subspecies of white-crowned sparrows. (2001).
- Gasser, P, Orchinik, Miles. Corticosterone modulates proteolysis of Protein Kinase Ca in an amphibian brain: potential mechanism for rapid effects. (2001).
- C Breuner, D Jennings, M Moore, Miles Orchinik. Pharmacological adrenalectomy with mitotane. Gen.Comp.Endocrinol (2000).
- D Jennings, M Moore, R Knapp, L Matthews, Miles Orchinik. Plasma steroid-binding globulin mediation of differences in stress reactivity in alternative male phenotypes in tree lizards, Urosaurus ornatus. Gen.Comp.Endocrinol (2000).
- Miles Orchinik, L Matthews, P Gasser. Distinct intracellular, membrane-bound, and plasma binding sites for glucocorticoids in an amphibian. Gen.Comp.Endocrinol (2000).
- Cooper, K, Garlick, B, Harrison, J, Orchinik, Miles, Satterlie, R. Human Anatomy and Physiology with Histology Color Atlas. (2000).
- Gasser, P J,Orchinik, Miles. Membrane receptors for glucocorticoids. Encyclopedia of Stress (2000).
Research Activity
- Orchinik,Miles*. Collaborative Research: Novel Corticosteroid Actions on Neurotransmitter Function. NSF-BIO(8/1/2009 - 7/31/2014).
- Orchinik,Miles*. Neurovisions: Teaching Neuroscience with Neuroimaging Data. Science Approach(2/20/2009 - 12/31/2009).
- Orchinik,Miles*. ADULT NEUROGENESIS, REGULATION AND FUNCTION. NSF-BIO(5/1/2004 - 4/30/2008).
- Orchinik,Miles*, Rawls,Jeffery Alan. CELLULAR MECHANISMS MEDIATING ACUTE STRESS HORMONE ACTION IN BRAIN. NSF-BIO(8/15/2002 - 7/31/2005).
- Orchinik,Miles*. HPA REGULATION IN STRESS: THE DORSOMEDIAL HYPOTHALAMUS. INDIANA UNIV-SCH OF MEDICINE(9/30/1999 - 8/31/2002).
- Orchinik,Miles*. NEUROENDOCRINE MECHANISMS FOR RESPONDING TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS. NSF-BIO(7/1/1998 - 6/30/2000).
- Orchinik,Miles*. RAPID SIGNALING PATHWAY FOR CORTICSTEROIDS. NSF-BIO(1/1/1997 - 12/31/2000).
Courses
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
2023 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
2021 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BIO 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
2021 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
2020 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BIO 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
2020 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
| BIO 593 | Applied Project |
2019 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BIO 360 | Animal Physiology |
| BIO 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
| BIO 360 | Animal Physiology |
| BIO 360 | Animal Physiology |
| BIO 360 | Animal Physiology |
| BIO 360 | Animal Physiology |
| BIO 360 | Animal Physiology |
| BIO 360 | Animal Physiology |
Presentations
- Hassell, J., Collins, V.E., Austin, R.C., Viziteu, C., Lowry, C.A., Orchinik, M. and Renner, K.J. (2012). Intracranial delivery of corticosterone alters extracellular monoamine concentrations in dorsomedial hypothalamus and central nucleus of the amygdala under stress conditions. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Oct 2012).
- Hill, K. and Orchinik, M. Identifying shifts in TA’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK): Outcomes of a "Scientific Teaching" course for biology graduate teaching assistants at a large research university. National Study of Education in Undergraduate Science: Research Based Undergraduate Science Teaching (May 2012).
- Molinaro, J., Mumaw, L., Barton, S., Renner., K.J., Lowry,C.A., and Orchinik, M. Neuronal and glial localization of corticosterone-sensitive organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) in hierarchical systems regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in rats. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Oct 2010).
- L. Mumaw, A. Lacagnina, and Orchinik, M. (2009). Seasonal differences in newborn cells in the adult amphibian brain: implications for neuropeptide regulation. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Oct 2009).
- Telefont, M., Feng, N., Lowry, C.A., Lukkes, J.L., Orchinik, M., Forster, G.L., Collins,V. and Renner, K.J. The organic cation transporter blocker decynium 22 increases extracellular serotonin concentrations in the rat medial hypothalamus under basal and stress conditions. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting Abstracts (Oct 2009).
- Gasser, P.J., Orchinik, M., Raju, I., and Lowry, C.A. Expression of organic cation transporter 3, a corticosterone-sensitive monoamine transporter, in monoaminergic projection areas in the rat brain: potential role in stress-induced modulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Oct 2008).
- Gasser, P.J., Orchinik, M., Raju, I., and Lowry, C.A. Expression of organic cation transporter 3, a corticosterone-sensitive monoamine transporter, in monoaminergic projection areas in the rat brain: potential role in stress-induced modulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Oct 2008).
- Orchinik, Miles. Corticosteroid-sensitive monoamine transporters in rat brains: implications for 5-HT signaling during stress. ASU / Barrow Neurological Institute Neuroscience Symposium (Nov 2006).
- Gasser, P, Orchinik, Miles, Lowry, C. Organic cation transporter 3, a corticosterone-sensitive monoamine transporter, is highly expressed in the medial hypothalamic defensive system. ASU / Barrow Neurological Institute Neuroscience Symposium (Nov 2006).
- Saijo, E, Jennings, D, Orchinik, Miles. Region-dependent Pattern of Newborn Cell Proliferation and Survival in an Adult Amphibian Brain. ASU / Barrow Neurological Institute Neuroscience Symposium (Nov 2006).
- Saijo, E, Jennings, D, Orchinik, Miles. Region-dependent Pattern of Newborn Cell Proliferation and Survival in an Adult Amphibian Brain. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Oct 2006).
- Gasser, P, Orchinik, Miles, Lowry, C. Organic cation transporter 3, a corticosterone-sensitive monoamine transporter, is highly expressed in the medial hypothalamic defensive system. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Oct 2006).
- Orchinik, Miles. A highly conserved component of the vertebrate response to stressors?. Western Regional Conference on Comparative Endocrinology (Mar 2006).
- Saijo, E, Jennings, D, Orchinik, Miles. Distribution and survival of proliferating cells in adult amphibian brains. Western Regional Conference on Comparative Endocrinology (Mar 2006).
- Gasser, P, Lowry, C, Orchinik, Miles. Corticosterone-sensitive monoamine transport in the rat dorsomedial hypothalamus: role for organic cation transporter 3 in stress-induced serotonin accumulation. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Nov 2005).
- Saijo, E, Jennings, D, Orchinik, Miles. Widespread distribution of proliferating cells in an adult amphibian brain. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Nov 2005).
- Feng, N, Johnson, P, Lowry, C, Orchinik, Miles, Renner, K. Local inhibition of organic cation transporters increases extracellular serotonin in the dorsomedial hypothalamus. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Oct 2004).
- Gasser, P, Lowry, C, Renner, K, Orchinik, Miles. Expression and function of organic cation transporters in the rat dorsomedial hypothalamus. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting (Oct 2004).
- Gasser, P, Lowry, C, Renner, K, Orchinik, Miles. Organic cation transporter-mediated uptake of MPP+ in the rat dorsomedial hypothalamus. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting
- Orchinik, Miles. Brambell seminar series: Mechanism of rapid corticosteroid action in the brain. Henry Wellcome Laboratories in Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol
- Gasser, P, Orchinik, Miles. Corticosterone and vasopressin modulate protein kinase C signaling in the amphibian brain. Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Annual Meeting
- Lowry, C, Johnson, P, Gasser, P, Moore, F, Lightman, S, Orchinik, Miles. The role of serotonergic systems in emotional behaviour. Winter Meeting of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
- Orchinik, Miles. Corticosterone and vasopressin modulate protein kinase C signaling in the amphibian brain. Society for Behavioral Endocrinology Annual Meeting
- Saijo, E, Lowry, C, Orchinik, Miles. Characterization of ependymal cells in primary culture from amphibian brain dorsomedial hypothalamus. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting
- Orchinik, Miles. Mechanism mediating rapid stress hormone action in vertebrate brains. Institute of Neuroscience, University of Newcastle
- Orchinik, Miles. Mechanisms of Rapid Stress Hormone Action in Vertebrate Brains. Max Plank Institute for Ornithology
- Fokidis, Haralamobs, Orchinik, Miles, Deviche, Pierre. Pharmacological characterization of avian corticosteroid binding globulins (CBG) in desert songbirds: phylogenetic comparisons reveal conserved binding kinematics. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting
- Fokidis, Haralamobs, Orchinik, Miles, Deviche, Pierre. Species and life-stage specific variation in avian corticosterone responses associated with urbanization in a desert city. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting
- Saijo, E, Orchinik, Miles. Proliferation, differentiation and survival of newborn cells in adult amphibian brains. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting
- Breuner, C, Orchinik, Miles. Membrane and intracellular glucocorticoid receptors are differentially regulated on a seasonal basis in the avian brain. International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology
- Breuner, C, Orchinik, Miles. Membrane and intracellular glucocorticoid receptors are differentially regulated on a seasonal basis in the avian brain. Western and Southwestern Regional Conference Comparative Endocrinology
- Gasser, P, Orchinik, Miles. Corticosterone alters arginine vasopressin-induced protein kinase C signaling in an amphibian brain. Western and Southwestern Regional Conference Comparative Endocrinology
- Orchinik, Miles. Neurobehavioral actions of corticosteroids during a stress response. Winter Neuropeptides Conference, Biology of the Vertebrate Neuroendocrine Stress System
- Orchinik, Miles. Regulation of the HPA Axis: Role of the dorsomedial hypothalamus. National Institutes of Mental Health Research Networks
- Gasser, P, Orchinik, Miles. Corticosterone and vasopressin regulate protein kinase C signal transduction in an amphibian brain. Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Annual Meeting
- Orchinik, Miles. Multidisciplinary approaches to studying stress and depression. College of Nursing, Arizona State University
- Orchinik, Miles. Recent Advances in Corticosterone Receptor Function in the Brain: A Comparative Perspective. Workshop on Steroid Hormones and Brain Function
- Orchinik, Miles. Stress - Is it more than a disease? A comparative look at stress and adaptation. Special Symposium, 2001 Meeting of Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
- Weiss, A, Orchinik, Miles, Matt, K. Glucocorticoid receptor levels in the separation stress syndrome of male Siberian dwarf hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Annual Meeting
- Orchinik, Miles. Insights into mechanisms of stress using non-traditional model systems. Joint Forum on Research
- Orchinik, Miles. Why multidisciplinary research?. Opening Remarks, Graduate Research in Earth and Life Sciences Symposium
Service
- Future STEM Sun Devil Family Night at AZ Science Center., Organizer (2012 - Present)
- Barrett Access and Excellence Committee, Member (2012 - Present)
- School of Life Sciences / Life Sciences Curriculum Reform Committee, Chair (2010 - Present)
- State-wide Biology Articulation Task Force, Member (2010 - Present)
- School of Life Sciences / Undergraduate Programs, Associate Director (2009 - Present)
- Probationary Review Committee for Graham Boorse, Dept of Integrated Natural Sciences, ASU West, Outside Member (2007 - Present)
- Graduate Programs Initiatives, Associate Director (2007 - Present)
- Waggoner Elementary School, Facilitate 1st Annual Science Fair (2007 - Present)
- Waggoner Elementary School, Guest teacher (2006 - Present)
- National Science Foundation, Advisory Board, Behavioral Systems Cluster (2006 - Present)
- Personnel Committee, Member, OISB (2006 - Present)
- Physiology Curriculum Committee, Chair (2006 - Present)
- ASU Faculty Development Program, Mentor (2005 - Present)
- ASU's Faculty Development Program, Mentor (2005 - Present)
- National Science Foundation, Integrative Biology and Neuroscience, Advisory Board, Neuroendocrinology Panel (2002 - Present)
- School of Life Sciences / Ask Dr. Biology, Regular contributer (2002 - Present)
- Barrett Honors Faculty Council, Member (2010 - 2013)
- University Animal User’s Committee, Member (2008 - 2013)
- SoLS Undergraduate Programs, Associate Director / Associate Dean (2009 - 2012)
- SoLS Graduate Programs Committee, Member (2005 - 2010)
- Physiology Curriculum Committee, Chair (2006 - 2008)
- Graduate Programs Representative for OISB, Member (2005 - 2008)
- Graduate Programs Committee, OISB Representative (2005 - 2008)
- Manuscript reviews (2007)
- IOS - BEHAVIORAL SYSTEMS CLUSTER, ad hoc reviewer (2007)
- Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, ad hoc reviewer (2007)
- Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, ad hoc reviewer (2007)
- SOLS-Learning Resource Center., Brwon Bag presentation, "Applying to Graduate Schools" (2007)
- Neuroscience and Behavior PhD Program Working Comittee, Member (2006 - 2007)
- Hormones and Behavior, Editorial Board (2001 - 2007)
- SoLS Graduate Programs, Interim Associate Director (2006 - 2006)
- Bioimaging / Neuroscience Search Committee, Member (2005 - 2006)
- Bioimgaing / Neuroscience Search Committee, Member (2005 - 2006)
- Combined Neuroscience Search Committee, Member (2005 - 2006)
- Neuroscience Search Committee, Member (2005 - 2006)
- University Animal Users Committee AUAC, Member (2005 - 2006)
- General and Comparative Endocrinology, Manuscript review (2004)
- Hormones and Behavior, Manuscript review (2004)
- Integrative and Comparative Biology, Manuscript review (2004)
- Journal of Neuroscience, Manuscript review (2004)
- SoLS / Evolutionary and Systems Biology Search Committee, Member (2003 - 2004)
- CLAS / Curriculum Committee, Member (2002 - 2004)
- Symposium on Contemporary Approaches to Comparative Endocrinology, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Co-organizer (2003 - 2003)
- Department of Biology / Graduate Programs Committee, Member (2003)
- Department of Biology / Graduate Student Research Award Committee, Member (2003)
- Department of Biology/School of Life Sciences / Personnel Committee, Chair (2003)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program / Graduate Studies Committee, Member (2003)
- School of Life Sciences / Faculty Search Committee, Member (2003)
- Society for Comparative and Integrative Biology, Program Director, Division of Comparative Endocrinology (2003)
- Workshop on Stress, Brain Plasticity and Depression for Center for the Study of Stress and Adaptation, Organized and Co-Chaired (2001 - 2001)
- Workshop on Stress and the Environment for Center for the Study of Stress and Adaptation, Organized and Co-Chaired (2001 - 2001)
- Animal User’s Committee, Member (Present)
- Executive Committee, ad hoc member (Present)
- SoLS, Ask a Biologist Podcast, "Stressed Out" (Present)