Adrienne Betz. (Mark Stanczak / January 29, 2014)

12:10 p.m. EST, February 5, 2014

"I am honored to have been selected and look forward to contributing research aimed at discovering better treatments for mood disorders through scientific discovery in my lab," she said. "They only fund scientists whose research is reviewed and recommended by a world-renowned scientific council including Nobel Prize winners and chairs of psychiatric departments."

The $60,000 award will enable Betz to continue her research into Major Depressive Disorders (MDD) by examining the molecular mechanisms of stress on the hippocampus, a major part of the brain. Her research will investigate several areas of undeveloped inquiry, thereby helping to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of MDD.

"These experiments, funded by the Young Investigator award, will provide important information about potential mechanisms underlying persistent effects of chronic stress exposure in brain regions relevant to MDD," said Betz, who also expressed gratitude to Mark Yeckel, professor of medical sciences at Quinnipiac's Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, for serving as her scientific mentor on the grant.

Betz earned bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in psychology/neuroscience from the University of Connecticut. She served as a fellow, associate and affiliate in molecular psychiatry at Yale University. She taught psychology at UConn and Southern Connecticut State University before joining Quinnipiac in 2009.

"Being at Quinnipiac University has afforded me the unique opportunity to mentor students while engaging in serious scientific research," Betz said. "This grant will help me establish a fully sustainable and fundable laboratory and will have a profound impact on my work at Quinnipiac by allowing me to continue high-caliber research, and will be a catalyst in helping me achieve my goals".

Original post:
READER SUBMITTED: Quinnipiac University Psychology Professor Receives $60,000 Young Investigator Grant