RIA’s Gancarz takes top prize at Neuroscience Research Day

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Amy Gancarz, PhD, a postdoctoral associate in the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions (RIA), was honored for her work during the Seventh Annual Neuroscience Research Day held at UB’s Clinical and Translational Research Center on Sept. 27.

Gancarz received the first-place Beverly Bishop Poster Award in the event’s poster session for her research outlining how cocaine use and withdrawal can alter the molecular structure of the brain. Her poster was chosen as the best from the more than 40 presented that day.

Neuroscience Research Day, sponsored by the Buffalo Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience, was held concurrently with RIA’s conference on “Neuroscience Research on Substance Abuse.” More than 60 researchers from across SUNY attended the conference and several UB scientists made presentations, including Gancarz’s mentor, David Dietz, PhD, from UB’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Caroline Bass, PhD, also from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; and Samir Haj-Dahmane, PhD, senior research scientist at RIA.  

RIA’s postdoctoral research training program was established in 2000 through a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The program provides quality training to prepare scientists to conduct addictions research. Trainees are assigned preceptors based on their research interests, and seminars assist trainees in subjects such as grant writing and professional development.

RIA is a research center of the University at Buffalo and a national leader in the study of alcohol and substance abuse issues. RIA’s research programs, most of which have multiple year funding, are supported by federal and private foundation grants. Located on UB’s Downtown Campus, RIA is a member of the dynamic Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and helps promote UB’s strategic focus on research initiatives.