Brief Bio: I was born in Texas and grew up in an Argentine household. I was fortunate to be one of the few from my Houston neighborhood to go to college, where I fulfilled pre-law requirements before deciding at the last minute, while living in Buenos Aires, to switch directions and pursue neuroscience. Since that time, I have benefited from fortuitous circumstances and devoted mentors at all stages of my career to arrive where I am today. My training was in alcohol neuroscience, but the work being conducted in my lab now covers a vast array of topics including addiction to alcohol, nicotine and illicit drugs, traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and chronic pain – I couldn’t imagine it any other way. These days, I spend much of my time and effort training and mentoring students, fellows and junior faculty, and these are the professional activities I enjoy most. I would be nowhere without my mentors and the excellent team of people that conduct research in my lab, and I am greatly indebted to all of them.

What is your favorite thing learned so far from the Near-Peer Mentoring Training Sessions with CIMER?  I have really enjoyed learning about the different types of mentorship people prefer and the different ways in which people respond to mentorship. My goal is to use this knowledge to constantly remind myself that what works for me does not necessarily work for others, and to tailor my mentoring style accordingly.

What makes ACNP membership special?  Since I attended my first meeting in 2010, the College has worked hard to become more diverse and younger. It has been great to see and be a part of this effort. I also really enjoy interacting with mentees and travel awardees, whom are always very impressive and whom I view as the next generation of leaders in our fields.

What are 5 interesting facts about you? 

• I have published several articles on racial (in)equity in science & I started a Racial Equity in Science Slack group in 2020.
• As my Twitter followers know, I am a big Nicolas Cage fan.
• I am a big foodie so New Orleans is a perfect match for me.
• I have run a dozen or so marathons.
• I love using my fully restored 1964 Hermes 3000 typewriter.

Brief Bio: I am a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Kay Tye’s laboratory at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies. I received my bachelor’s degree in biology from North Carolina Central University and Master’s degree in cell physiology from Case Western Reserve University. I then received my Ph.D in neuroscience from Drexel University under the mentorship of Dr. Wen-Jun Gao studying the synaptic proteins and mechanisms involved in schizophrenia. As a postdoctoral fellow in the Tye Laboratory, I study the effect of neural circuits on behavior and state-dependent and region-specific cellular aberrations implicated in neuropsychiatric conditions.

What is your favorite thing learned so far from the Near-Peer Mentoring Training Sessions with CIMER?  The best thing I have learned from the ACNP Near-Peer Mentorship program are career building skills to help me transition into becoming an independent scientific investigator. 

What are 5 interesting facts about you?



• Poker is my favorite hobby.
• I lived in the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West coast for extended periods of time.
• I like to go for runs on the beach in the morning.
• I do not eat seafood.
• Michael Crichton is my favorite author.

Brief Bio: I am Associate Professor of Molecular Psychiatry in Trinity College Dublin. My lab studies the molecular mechanisms involved in brain function and plasticity in Health and Disease with a particular interest in Growth Factors. During my training I identified Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) as a candidate treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders (Tropea e al., 2009), and in my lab I continue the exploration of IGF1 function in basic research and clinical studies. I also love teaching and mentoring budding neuroscientists. I teach “Biology of Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders”; I am the creator of the international series Biology of Brain Disorders; I pursue the divulgation of science to students with disadvantaged backgrounds (Trinity Access Program) and general public.

What is your favorite thing learned so far from the Near-Peer Mentoring Training Sessions with CIMER?  I loved listening to the experiences of my colleagues. 

What makes ACNP membership special?  It gives access to scientists and professionals with a true passion for neuroscience and psychiatry. 

What are 5 interesting facts about you?

• I am passionate about Neuroscience. 
• I always keep my word. 
• I have three children and I had them in different countries. 
• I was a singer in a band. 
• I love biking. 

Brief Bio: I am a 5^th year graduate student in the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Dr. Vaishali Bakshi’s lab. I was born and raised in Alabama and attended undergrad at Albany State University in Albany, GA. My current research focuses on the ability of the cannabinoid system, specifically endocannabinoids, to modulate cognitive processes related to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. A long-term goal of mine is to join the clinical research industry to advocate for appropriate racial and ethnic representation in clinical trials for medication efficacy.

What is your favorite thing learned so far from the Near-Peer Mentoring Training Sessions with CIMER?  My favorite piece of wisdom I have acquired from engaging in the CIMER sessions is that intentional goal setting will help strengthen and increase the utility of mentor-mentee relationships.  

What are 5 interesting facts about you?



• I grew up in the peanut capital, but I am allergic to peanuts.
• I majored in forensic science in undergrad.
• I am an only child.
• I am getting ready to test for my black belt in taekwondo.
• I love to bake desserts.