Gwendolen Haley, PhD, a Behavioral Neuroscience Postdoctoral Fellow, recently received notification that she will receive a two-year National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) fellowship.

Dr. Haley’s background is in studying molecular and genetic components of age-related cognitive decline in rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans. During this NSBRI fellowship, she will study the acute consequences of radiation on the brain by applying her current expertise of cognitive function, specifically spatial learning and memory, and molecular components of acetylcholine systems.

“I am interested in the underlying biology of cognitive function and the effects on health and disease,” said Dr. Haley. “This fellowship will allow me to bridge my interest in the biological mechanisms of cognitive function and radiation neurobiology.”

Results from this study will address not only the consequences of irradiation on the brain but also potential dietary therapeutic interventions.

The NSBRI Postdoctoral Fellowship Program provides support for academically talented young scientists to conduct space-related biomedical or biotechnological research that supports the NSBRI's goals. All fellowships take place in U.S. laboratories. The program offers young scientists the opportunity to manage their own space-related biomedical research project while continuing to learn from an experienced faculty mentor. Participants become a part of one of NSBRI's research teams and also receive introduction to NASA Johnson Space Center's research facilities and program.