The Psychology Department was honored to host Dr. Kelly Lambert, a distinguished behavioral neuroscientist and the MacEldin Trawick Professor in Psychology at the University of Richmond, for a two-day visit. Dr. Lambert's visit was made possible in part by her selection as a 2024–25 Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar, a prestigious recognition of her contributions to the field and her commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. Lambert is renowned for her research on experience-based neuroplasticity, exploring the neurobiology of stress, resilience, depression, parenting, and natural enrichment. Her innovative work, including her famous rodent driving research, has garnered international attention and has been featured in over 1,500 media stories. She has authored numerous scholarly publications, neuroscience textbooks, and mainstream books, significantly contributing to both scientific knowledge and public understanding of neuroscience.
In her first talk, Brain Sculpting: Creating Optimal Neural Networks and Functions with Experience-Based Neuroplasticity, Dr. Lambert delved into the dynamic nature of brains, emphasizing that they continuously change from the womb to the tomb. She discussed how life experiences shape neural functions through neuroplasticity, which she referred to as one of our most valuable "superpowers." The talk covered the evolution of neuroplasticity research, starting from the early "enriched environment" studies on rodents to contemporary research aimed at optimizing brain functions throughout the lifespan.
In her second talk, Wild Brains: Looking Beyond Laboratory Rodents for Adaptive Neural Strategies that Translate from the Bush to Bedside, Dr. Lambert addressed the limitations of using laboratory rats and mice for mental health research. She shared insights from her own research, which explores the neural differences between wild-trapped and laboratory-bred rats of the same species. Her findings indicate significant neural differences between these populations, suggesting that the natural environment plays a crucial role in shaping brain functions. Dr. Lambert also discussed her lab's investigations of raccoons, which have shown neural patterns similar to primates, and her recent studies on mouse lemurs in Madagascar.
Dr. Lambert also met with numerous students and faculty members during her time, offering valuable insights into the fascinating world of behavioral neuroscience. We are grateful for her time and look forward to the continued impact of her groundbreaking research.
February 07, 2025