Postdoctoral Associate, Dr. Owen Chao Awarded Young Investigator Grant

Yuan Hsin (Owen) Chao, PhD, a postdoctoral associate in the Yang Lab, has received a 2020 Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Grant for his project, “Distinct psychiatric-relevant behaviors are modulated by the ventrolateral thalamus or ventral tegmental area connected with the cerebellum.” The cerebellum constitutes the motor as well as cognitive, emotional and social behaviors. It is critically involved in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Elucidation of the specific roles of the cerebellum-connected circuits will provide novel insights and therapeutic strategies for such psychiatric detriments.

The award is recognized as highly competitive and a recognition of "the world's most promising young scientists."

The grants, awarded annually, support the work of early-career investigators with innovative ideas for groundbreaking neurobiological research seeking to identify causes, improve treatments and develop prevention strategies for psychiatric disorders.