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Three PhD candidates recognized with Dr. Lorna Carlin Scholar Awards
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2019 Dr. Lorna Carlin Scholar Award Recipient, Robert G. Lewis
Robert G. Lewis received the 2019 Dr. Lorna Carlin Scholar Award. Lewis is a PhD candidate in the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics working in the lab of professor Emiliana Borrelli. His research uses genetic and pharmacological approaches to study the role of dopamine and acetylcholine signaling on the development of drugs to treat addiction. The prevalence of addiction and lack of successful treatment motivate him to seek novel therapeutic targets that could help those affected with the disease.
"This award means a lot to me because, despite the pervasiveness of the disease, addiction is often overlooked due to the stigma attached to it. A significant number of users desire to quit, but only a minority receive rehabilitation; even with treatment, relapse remains quite high, said Lewis." I think many people know someone affected by substance use which is why throughout my academic career I have worked to understand the neural circuits involved in the response to addictive drugs. The support this award provides will help me achieve my goal of identifying pharmacological targets that may aid in the fight against addiction."
The Dr. Lorna Carlin Scholar is selected based on academic excellence, scientific promise, scholarly and professional potential, as well as community and university service. This award is intended to recognize the next generation of scientific leaders and is given to an exceptional doctoral student who is conducting a translational research study.
Nicole Chmielewski Stivers | Additionally, a newly established secondary prize, the 2019 Dr. Lorna Carlin Excellence in Research Award, was given to two impressive young researchers who were recognized for their promising translational scholarship. Nicole Chmielewski Stivers studies with PI professor Charles Limoli, PhD, in the Environmental Health Sciences program. Her work investigates cancer treatment toxicity as well as the importance of conducting sex-specific research. | Usha Nekanti studies with PI professor Aileen Anderson, PhD, in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology where she researches functional regeneration in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) through bioengineering, immunologic and stem cell approaches.
Usha Nekanti
Dr. Lorna Carlin, a retired psychiatrist, established the scholarship in 2017 as a way to actively support PhD student research in the UCI School of Medicine.
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