LSUHealthNO’s Gilpin Only 1 in LA Chosen for High Us Government Honor

Nicholas W. Gilpin, PhD, Associate Professor of Physiology and Associate Director of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans, is the only Louisiana recipient of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers awarded by President Obama on January 9, 2017. According to the White House, it is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government upon science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

The awards, established by President Clinton in 1996, are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach.

“I congratulate these outstanding scientists and engineers on their impactful work,” President Obama said. “These innovators are working to help keep the United States on the cutting edge, showing that Federal investments in science lead to advancements that expand our knowledge of the world around us and contribute to our economy.”

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Gilpin’s research is seeking solutions for some of society’s most critical challenges. His lab is investigating the neurobiology of addiction and traumatic stress disorders, both growing national health concerns. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has funded his work since he was a graduate student. His current funding is a Research Project (R01) grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

“We are proud that one of our own has received such a high national honor,” said Larry Hollier, MD, Chancellor of LSU Health New Orleans. “This recognition underscores the excellence of our gifted faculty and innovative research.”

“Dr. Gilpin is one of our most talented young research scientists,” noted Steve Nelson, MD, Dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine. “His lab is tackling a national public health crisis of epidemic proportions and making major contributions.”

According to the NIH, the awards embody the high priority placed by the government on maintaining the leadership position of the United States in science by producing outstanding scientists and engineers who will broadly advance science and the missions important to the participating agencies. The awards support the continued development of the awardees, foster innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, increase awareness of careers in science and engineering, give recognition to the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhance connections between fundamental research and national goals, and highlight the importance of science and technology for the nation's future.

Gilpin, who was recommended by the US Department of Health and Human Services, will formally receive his award, which includes financial support for his work, at the White House in May 2017.