The Behavioral Neuroscience Program is pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of the BNS Program Undergraduate Summer Research Award and the Dr. David Goldman and Dr. Linda Blackwell Undergraduate Summer Research Award. Both research awards aim to increase opportunities in Behavioral Neuroscience research for individuals who are typically underrepresented in the field. The awards will be given annually to a Behavioral Neuroscience undergraduate with demonstrated interest in behavioral neuroscience research, enthusiasm for a graduate degree or health professional program, and has financial need.

This years BNS Program Summer Undergraduate Research Award recipient is Lauren Gilman (she/her), who works in the lab of Josh Kaplan, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology. Gilman wants to become an osteopathic psychiatrist after graduation and this summer will research cannabis effects on autism spectrum disorder.

Im thrilled that Lauren will have the opportunity to explore her research interests this summer, and Im looking forward to supporting her scientific growth as she learns new molecular approaches that will be applied to her research into cannabis effects in autism spectrum disorder," said Kaplan. "Lauren will now be able to apply her holistic approach to medicine and research by studying the effect of cannabis on the gut-brain axis, neuroinflammation, and behavior using molecular and mass spectrometry approaches. These are hot areas of research and Im excited for Lauren to lead our lab in this new direction."

Gilman was grateful for the research award and excited to get to work this summer.

"I am grateful for this award and honored to be a presence for other queer women in STEM. My time at Western has given me immense opportunities for growth and leadership. To name a few, I participated in the psychiatry internship, as the NeRDS publicity officer, as the waterski team travel coordinator, and as a volunteer in Dr. Kaplan's cannabis lab," Gilman said. "I hope my research on the microbiome and inflammation in autism spectrum disorder increases our understanding of CBD and paves the way for other safe, novel treatments."

"In the future, I hope to work as an osteopathic psychiatrist, providing a holistic approach to healing. Admittedly, many psychiatric disorders have a biological basis and require pharmacological intervention to improve symptoms; however, I plan to approach patients as people first, not as an array of dysfunctional circuits and chemicals. Environment, social connections, and underlying disease impact the minds state just as much as neurotransmitters and deserve equal attention," she said.

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Behavioral Neuroscience Program awards pair of summer research ... - Western Washington University