The UT Neuroscience Institute awarded the 2012-2013 Merit Fellowships for Undergraduate Neuroscience Research to three area students, who will work in UTHSC labs this summer. Kate Stewart, Rhodes College, Lydia Hyatt, Christian Brothers University, and Colleen Valdez, Christian Brothers University, were selected by a committee at their respective institutions based on their academic excellence and strong interest in neuroscience. Kate will work with Dr. Max Fletcher, PhD, in Anatomy and Neurobiology, who's research is in understanding basic principles of neural encoding of sensory information and how both experience and learning can affect this process. Lydia will work with Dr. Scott Heldt, PhD, in Anatomy and Neurobiology, who's research is in understanding the neural mechanisms mediating fear and anxiety in the mammalian brain. Colleen will work with Dr. Lawrence Reiter, PhD, in Neurology, who studies genes related to autism and autism spectrum disorders.

Previous Awardees

• 2011-2012: Ashley Ladd, Rhodes College - Dr. Lawrence Reiter
• 2011-2012: Catherine Gluszek, Christian Brothers - Dr. Scott Heldt
• 2011-2012: Allison Umfress, Duke University - Dr. Alessandro Iannaccone
• 2010-2011: Rachel Chassen, of Rhodes College - Dr. Lawrence Reiter
• 2010-2011: Rachael Haag, of Christian Brothers University - Dr. Tonia Rex
• 2010-2011: Christine Petrin, of Barnard College of Columbia University - Dr. Charles Leffler
• 2009-2010: Cameron Kasmai, Christian Brothers University - Dr. Detlef Heck
• 2009-2010: Danielle Helton, Baylor University - Dr. John Boughter
• 2009-2010: Leslie Baker, Rhodes College - Dr. Fu-Ming Zhou
• 2008-2009: Michael Antone, Christian Borthers University - Dr. Kristin Hamre
• 2008-2009: Daniel Wilkinson, Rhodes College - Dr. Charles Leffler
• 2008-2009: Lorna Wilkes, Christian Brothers University - Dr. Robert Foehring
• 2007-2008: Indre Augustinaite, Christian Brothers University - Dr. Matt Ennis
• 2007-2008: Joel Chasan, Rhodes College -Dr. Shannon Matta
• 2006-2007: Alan Newton, Christian Brothers University - Dr. Lawrence Reiter
• 2006-2007: Teresa Bell, Rhodes College - Dr. Matt Ennis

Catherine Gluszek, Christian Brothers University receiving the The Brother Dominic Dunn Award
This award is presented annually by the faculty of the School of Sciences to the outstanding graduating senior with a major in science or mathematics. The award is given in the memory of Brother Dominic Dunn, F.S.C., to the graduate giving strong evidence of academic excellence and of service to the University and/or the community. Presented at the Student Research Poster Session. Established in 1992.

Contact Us

Neuroscience Institute
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
875 Monroe Ave, Suite 426
Memphis, TN 38163
Phone: (901) 448-5960
Fax: (901) 448-4685

Physical Address
426 Wittenborg Anatomy Building

Director:
William E. Armstrong, Ph.D.

Co-Director:
Anton J. Reiner, Ph.D.

Administrative Services Assistant:
Shannon Guyot

Website:
Brandy Fleming, M.S.