Michel Companion, a graduate student in Behavioral and Integrative Neuroscience, received a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Pre-doctoral Fellowship from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
The purpose of the Kirschstein NRSA Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Award is to enable promising pre-doctoral students to obtain individualized, mentored research training from outstanding faculty sponsors while conducting dissertation research in scientific health-related fields. Research training is expected to enhance the individual’s potential to develop into a productive, independent research scientist.
Under this fellowship, Michel will study the role of a neuropeptide Y (NPY) type-1 receptor-expressing neuronal circuit from the central amygdala to the lateral habenula in the modulation of binge alcohol drinking. This research will provide novel insight into how brain systems that integrate emotions and systems underlying the averse properties of alcohol work together to regulate binge alcohol drinking, knowledge that may help identify new treatments for alcohol use disorders. Congratulations, Michel!