Sarah Leibowitz | Behavioral Neurobiology | Most Cited Article Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Sarah Leibowitz | Behavioral Neurobiology | Most Cited Article Award

The Rockefeller University | United States

Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz is a Research Associate Professor at The Rockefeller University in the Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology. With a career dedicated to uncovering the neural basis of addiction, she focuses on how the brain regulates consumption of substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as high-fat and high-sugar foods. Her pioneering work explores the transition from casual intake to substance dependence, linking specific brain mechanisms to addictive behaviors. Dr. Leibowitz’s research also highlights how emotional traits—such as impulsivity and anxiety—influence substance use. In recent years, she has expanded her work to investigate how maternal diet and drug exposure during pregnancy affect the brain development and behavior of offspring. Her studies reveal persistent neural and behavioral changes that may increase vulnerability to addiction later in life. Through her research, she aims to identify early indicators of addiction risk and explore preventive strategies for substance abuse disorders.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz earned her Ph.D. in behavioral neurobiology, establishing her foundation in neuroscience and psychobiology. Although specific details of her academic institutions are not publicly disclosed, her academic trajectory clearly reflects rigorous training in neurobiology, endocrinology, and developmental neuroscience. Her education emphasized the interplay between brain structure, behavior, and environmental stimuli—especially as related to addiction and nutrition. Over the course of her doctoral and postdoctoral work, she developed specialized expertise in rodent models, neurochemical techniques, and behavioral neuroscience. Her educational background has equipped her to contribute significantly to the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying addiction, impulsivity, and maternal influences on brain development. Dr. Leibowitz’s academic formation has not only shaped her robust research career but also positioned her as a mentor and thought leader in the intersection of behavioral neuroscience, addiction research, and developmental psychobiology.

 Experience

Dr. Sarah Leibowitz brings decades of experience in behavioral neuroscience, serving as a Research Associate Professor at The Rockefeller University. In this role, she leads research exploring how neurochemical circuits in the brain influence the consumption of addictive substances and palatable foods. Her experience spans experimental neurobiology, developmental studies, and translational addiction research, using advanced rodent models to simulate human behavioral patterns. She has worked extensively on characterizing the neural pathways that control emotional traits such as impulsivity and anxiety, which predispose individuals to addiction. In addition, Dr. Leibowitz has pioneered investigations into prenatal programming—studying how maternal substance use affects offspring neurodevelopment and behavior. Her career has been marked by interdisciplinary collaborations, significant grant support, and mentoring emerging scientists. Dr. Leibowitz’s extensive lab-based research experience has positioned her at the forefront of studies on addiction vulnerability, making meaningful contributions to both basic neuroscience and potential clinical applications.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards and honors for Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz are not publicly detailed, her long-standing appointment at The Rockefeller University—a prestigious research institution—attests to her outstanding contributions in behavioral neurobiology. Recognition in the scientific community is reflected through her published research, influential collaborations, and leadership in addiction-related neuroscience. She is frequently cited in peer-reviewed journals, indicating strong academic impact and recognition from fellow researchers. Her studies addressing prenatal influences on addiction vulnerability have garnered widespread attention in developmental neuroscience and public health sectors. In addition to academic merit, Dr. Leibowitz’s role as a mentor and educator suggests acknowledgment of her commitment to training the next generation of scientists. The significance and longevity of her research position imply that she has received competitive research funding and peer-reviewed grants, further recognizing the value of her work in advancing understanding of substance use disorders.

Research Focus

Dr. Leibowitz’s research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, particularly the transition from use to dependence on substances like alcohol, nicotine, and palatable foods. Her laboratory investigates how neurochemical pathways in various brain regions drive compulsive consumption and are influenced by traits such as novelty seeking, impulsivity, and anxiety. A major area of her research explores the developmental origins of addiction: how maternal consumption of drugs or high-fat/high-sugar diets during pregnancy alters brain development and long-term behavior in offspring. These studies reveal that such prenatal exposures can “reprogram” the brain, increasing susceptibility to substance use disorders in adolescence and adulthood. Through rodent models, Dr. Leibowitz aims to identify biomarkers and early-life predictors of addiction risk, as well as investigate potential interventions for prevention. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates behavioral neuroscience, endocrinology, and developmental biology, contributing valuable insights into addiction’s origins, progression, and possible prevention strategies.

Publications

Title: Neurological Disorders Induced by Drug Use: Effects of Adolescent and Embryonic Drug Exposure on Behavioral Neurodevelopment
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

Title: Utility of the Zebrafish Model for Studying Neuronal and Behavioral Disturbances Induced by Embryonic Exposure to Alcohol, Nicotine, and Cannabis
Year: 2023
Citations: 8

Title: Role of Chemokine Cxcl12a in Mediating the Stimulatory Effects of Ethanol on Embryonic Development of Subpopulations of Hypocretin/Orexin Neurons and Their Projections
Year: 2023
Citations: 10

Title: Embryonic ethanol exposure induces ectopic Hcrt and MCH neurons outside hypothalamus in rats and zebrafish: Role in ethanol‐induced behavioural disturbances
Year: 2022
Citations: 18

Conclusion

Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz’s work stands at the intersection of neuroscience, behavior, and developmental biology, providing groundbreaking insights into addiction, prenatal brain development, and preventive strategies for substance use disorders, making her a leading figure in behavioral neurobiology and addiction research.

 

Yi Zhang | Obesity and Inhibitory-control | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Yi Zhang | Obesity and inhibitory-control | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Xidian University, China

Dr. Yi Zhang is a distinguished neuroscientist and professor at the School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, China, where he also directs the Center for Brain Imaging. Born in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, in 1980, Dr. Zhang has dedicated his academic and research career to exploring the brain’s mechanisms using advanced neuroimaging tools. With a PhD in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems, he combines engineering and neuroscience to investigate conditions like obesity, addiction, and acupuncture effects. He has published over 80 journal articles and served on editorial boards of several high-impact journals. His work emphasizes functional MRI, brain modulation, and neurofeedback to improve cognitive and behavioral health. Recognized with multiple national awards, Dr. Zhang has also served as a visiting scholar in the U.S. and holds memberships in prestigious global neuroscience and medical imaging societies. His research continues to drive innovation in non-invasive brain intervention and signal processing techniques.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Yi Zhang’s academic journey is rooted in Xidian University, Xi’an, China, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering in 2003. He continued his postgraduate studies in the same institution, receiving his Master’s degree in 2006 and PhD in 2009 in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems, focusing on integrating engineering and intelligent control with neural research. His passion for bridging technology and life sciences led him to further his academic exposure abroad. From 2010 to 2011, he was a visiting scholar at the Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida College of Medicine in the United States. This international experience broadened his expertise in functional MRI and advanced medical imaging. His multidisciplinary educational background has laid a strong foundation for his research in brain imaging, signal processing, and behavioral neuroscience, allowing him to contribute significantly to understanding neural mechanisms in health and disease.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Yi Zhang has had a progressive academic career at Xidian University, starting as a Teaching Assistant in the School of Electronic Engineering (2006–2008), followed by roles as Lecturer (2008–2010), Associate Professor (2010–2015), and Professor since 2015 at the School of Life Science and Technology. His teaching has been complemented by his leadership as Director of the Center for Brain Imaging, where he spearheads interdisciplinary research projects. He has collaborated internationally as a visiting scholar at the University of Florida, enhancing his global perspective in brain imaging. His professional contributions encompass mentoring, publishing, and developing cutting-edge research on obesity, addiction, acupuncture, and real-time neurofeedback. Dr. Zhang has also held key editorial and organizational roles, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence. With over 15 years of continuous experience, he remains a prominent figure in neuroimaging, blending teaching and research to cultivate innovation in neuroscience and intelligent systems.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Yi Zhang has been the recipient of several prestigious national and institutional honors in recognition of his contributions to neuroscience and medical imaging. In 2022, he received the First Prize of the Shaanxi Higher Education Science and Technology Award for his research on brain modulation in obese patients. His work on acupuncture mechanisms using fMRI earned him First and Second Prizes from the China Society for Stereo Vision and Beijing Natural Science Award in 2015 and 2014, respectively. He was named an Early Career Investigator under the “Hua Mountain Scholar Program” in 2014 and by NIDA’s mini-convention in 2011. Additional accolades include First Prizes from the Shaanxi Higher Education and second prize from the Provincial Science and Technology Award in 2011. These recognitions affirm his innovative work in functional neuroimaging and its applications in cognitive enhancement, pain management, and behavioral intervention. His research continues to garner attention and impact across disciplines.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Yi Zhang’s research lies at the intersection of brain science, medical imaging, and behavioral neuroscience. His primary focus is the application of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to investigate brain activity in conditions like obesity, heroin addiction, and acupuncture. As Director of the Center for Brain Imaging, he leads studies on real-time neurofeedback to modulate brain functions, especially appetite and reward mechanisms. His work aims to decode neural patterns and develop interventions that influence behavior and cognition. With an engineering background, he also develops advanced signal processing algorithms to handle dynamic, multivariate neurobiological data. His interdisciplinary approach has helped bridge neuroscience and intelligent systems, enabling novel therapeutic strategies. Dr. Zhang’s research has influenced fields like psychopharmacology, neurofeedback therapy, and brain modulation, providing insights into the biological basis of behavior and supporting non-invasive treatment strategies. He has co-authored over 80 journal papers, affirming his position as a leader in neuroimaging innovation.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Yi Zhang stands out as a visionary neuroscientist whose interdisciplinary expertise in engineering and life sciences advances brain imaging and cognitive neuroscience. Through pioneering research in fMRI, neurofeedback, and brain modulation, he addresses critical health issues like obesity, addiction, and pain. With a distinguished academic record, numerous awards, and a global scholarly presence, Dr. Zhang continues to shape the future of neuroscience research and education through his leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving human health.

Publications

  • A hybrid network integrating convolution and transformer for thymoma segmentation

    Intelligent Medicine
    2023-08 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.imed.2022.06.003
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jingyuan Li; Wenfang Sun; Xiulong Feng; Karen M. von Deneen; Wen Wang; Guangbin Cui; Yi Zhang

  • MG-Net: Multi-level global-aware network for thymoma segmentation

    Computers in Biology and Medicine
    2023-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106635
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jingyuan Li; Wenfang Sun; Karen M. von Deneen; Xiao Fan; Gang An; Guangbin Cui; Yi Zhang

  • Electroacupuncture enhances resting-state functional connectivity between dorsal caudate and precuneus and decreases associated leptin levels in overweight/obese subjects

    Brain Imaging and Behavior
    2022-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00519-3
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yang He; Karen M. von Deneen; Guanya Li; Borong Jing; Yanyan Zhou; Kaiya Zhang; Yi Zhang; Yuanyuan

  • A dense connection encoding–decoding convolutional neural network structure for semantic segmentation of thymoma

    Neurocomputing
    2021-09 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.neucom.2021.04.023
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jingyuan Li; Wenfang Sun; Xiulong Feng; Gang Xing; Karen M. von Deneen; Wen Wang; Yi Zhang; Guangbin Cui