Debra Bangasser,  Professor of Neuroscience and Director of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN) at Georgia State University, has been awarded the Daniel H. Efron Research Award by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP).

The award recognizes outstanding basic research contributions to the field of neuropsychopharmacology, which integrates neuroscience and pharmacology to advance understanding of the causes of psychiatric disorders and develop new therapies.

Dr. Bangasser’s research identifies how stress throughout the lifespan affects the brain to promote risk and resilience to changes in cognition and motivated behavior relevant to substance use disorder, major depression and anxiety.

In a press release announcing the award, the ACNP recognized Dr. Bangasser for her contributions to research, mentoring and advocacy.

“Dr. Bangasser has contributed fundamental work on the mechanisms of sex differences in the stress response, which has immense translational potential for improving women’s health and the treatment of affective, cognitive and substance use disorders,” the group said.

Dr. Bangasser is the university’s first distinguished investigator with the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA). She is also the principal investigator of the Neuroendocrinology and Behavior Laboratory.

Synopsis from information provided by Noelle Toumey Reetz, Senior Manager, PR and Communications Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development 

Read more about Dr. Bangasser and her achievement through the article originally published on the university News Hub here.