New Grants Awarded
The NRLC received three grants as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. One grant funds clinical research training of four college students during the summers of 2009 and 2010. A second supplement funds investigation of serotonin function of adolescent psychiatric patients by bio-chemical and molecular biological analyses of the lymphoblastoid cells. The third supplement will accelerate the pace of research investigating the role of serotonin in alcohol induced changes in impulsive behavior of adults. In December, 2010 NIAAA awarded the NRLC a three year project to study the role of impulsivity and sertonin function in maintaining binge drinking behaviors.
In May, 2009 NIMH awarded the NRLC a five year project to study of the effects of stimulant medications on the treatment of comorbid Conduct Disorder with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among adolescents. |
Meetings & Presentations
- June 2009 was a big month for meetings and presentations with posters presented by various NRLC members at the International Society for Research in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, International Society for Research on Impulsivity, and the Research Society on Alcoholism.
- Dr. Dougherty was recently invited to be a part of a panel of NIDA sponsored scientific workgroup at Columbia University on the topic of suicide and drug use.

- Dr. Mathias was invited to present "When everyday is Friday: Cognitive and behavioral effects of adolescent marijuana use" at the Research Institute on Addictions in Buffalo, New York.
- Samantha John presented her poster "Baseline plasma L-tryptophan levels are related to differences in aggressive responding following alcohol consumption" at the Texas Research Society on Alcoholism annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
- Drs. Richard and Dougherty presented their symposium entitled "Advances and Considerations in L-tryptophan Manipulation Procedures for Humans" at the 12th International Society for Tryptophan Research (ISTRY) in Florence, Italy. Dr. Dougherty also served as on the International Program Committee, chairing the Psychological Aspects section of the ISTRY program.
NRLC Personnel News
- Questella Alfred B.A., joined the NRLC in February 2010 as a social science research associate.
- Amanda Paley B.A., joined the NRLC in February 2010 as a research coordinator.
Promotions & Appointments
Dr. Donald Dougherty was recently named as the Regents' Research Scholar by the University of Texas system. This award recognizes an important faculty recruitment and provides financial support for research infrastructure.
Dr. Donald Dougherty was appointed as the Vice President of the International Society for Tryptophan Research.
Dr. Donald Dougherty was invited to serve as a full time member of the NIH Adult Psychopathology and Disorders of Aging Study Section (APDA).
His period of service to this study section runs from July 2009 - June 2013.
NRLC in the News
- Alcohol and Other Substance Use Disorders Curriculum for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Practitioners,
Residents
and Other Health Professionals - NIDA: Drug Abuse and Suicidal Behavior Workshop.
- NIMH: Are endophenotypes for genetic studies of suicidal behavior within reach?
- Experts seek answers behind impulsive behavior.
- Alcohol and Violence Research.
- Dr. Dawes participates in AACAP practice parameter.
- UTHSCSA Recruits N.C. Team that Studies Substance Use and Suicidality in Youth
- Inside Health with the Oregonian
NRLC Fun
The NRLC enjoyed some nice weather and delicious pizza at Fralo's Art of Pizza. Pictures from the outing can be viewed in our Photo Gallery.

