Spear's lab has published landmark studies on the effects of alcohol on the developing brain. Her work centers, in particular, on alcohol sensitivity and use during adolescence, the age when many young people first drink alcohol. Spear's investigations use animal models to identify factors that might contribute to adolescents' propensity to experiment with alcohol and to determine why this age group seems to be at particular risk for alcohol's deleterious effects. Her findings are helping scientists understand how alcohol affects the developing brain and ultimately how drinking during adolescence may contribute to alcohol-related problems later in life.
"I am honored to receive this award and am excited that alcohol research in adolescence is receiving so much recognition," said Spear.
The Keller award is given annually to "an outstanding alcohol researcher who has made significant and long-term contributions to our understanding of how alcohol affects the body and mind, how we can prevent and treat alcohol abuse and alcoholism, and how today's scientific advancements can provide hope for tomorrow."
For more information on Professor Spear, visit her website at http://psychology.binghamton.edu/Faculty/spearL.html
For more information on the award and the lecture, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's website at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/NewsEvents/Conferences/kellerlecture05.htm
Binghamton University is one of the four university centers of the State University of New York. Known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs, Binghamton enrolls about 14,000 students in programs leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Its curriculum, founded in the liberal arts, has expanded to include selected professional and graduate programs.