Intended to encourage and support female research scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the fellowship was established in 2010 through a generous gift from Robin Chemers Neustein, JD, MBA, a former member of Mount Sinai’s Boards of Trustees.
Recipients are senior postdoctoral scientists who intend to complete their training within two years, have demonstrated high-impact accomplishments in biomedical sciences, and exhibit the potential for an independent scientific career. Dr. Cowell and Dr. Torres-Berrío are the 21st and 22nd recipients of the award.
Postdoctoral fellowship award recipient Whitney Cowell, PhD, MPH, right, with Rosalind J. Wright, MD, MPH
Dr. Cowell works in the laboratory of Rosalind J. Wright, MD, MPH, in the Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health. Her research leverages a combination of molecular and epidemiologic tools to investigate subclinical changes at the biological level with the goal of translating these findings to improve population-level health.
“Dr. Cowell is an exemplary transdisciplinary scientist who is able to combine principles of molecular biology, data science, environmental health, and life course theory to identify key social and environmental drivers of health and disease,” explains Dr. Wright. “Her research promises to elucidate modifiable factors that can be intervened upon to reduce persistent disparities in pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in New York City and beyond. I am very proud to see her recognized for her innovative work.”
Postdoctoral fellowship award recipient Angélica Torres-Berrío, PhD, right, and Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD
Dr. Torres-Berrío works in the laboratory of Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, in the Nash Family Department of Neuroscience.
Her research is focused on understanding how stress across the lifespan leads to enduring epigenetic alterations linked to depression. She is also interested in identifying molecular biomarkers that can be used to prevent and treat this psychopathology.
“For over a decade, the Robin Chemers Neustein Postdoctoral Fellowship Award program has been a spectacular feature of Mount Sinai’s postdoctoral community,” says Dr. Nestler. “I am very proud of Dr. Torres-Berrío and her impressive accomplishments. She joins a growing list of star women biomedical researchers who have been recognized by this great honor.”