Psychology Professor Named President-Elect of International Organization

Kelly Lambert, Ph.D. President-Elect, IBNS

Randolph-Macon College psychology professor Kelly Lambert, Ph.D., is the new president-elect of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (IBNS). She will begin a two-year appointment in 2009.

“Dr. Lambert’s election is a wonderful recognition of her outstanding professional work,” said President Robert Lindgren. “We are proud that it also brings honor and distinction to Randolph-Macon College in the important field of neuroscience.”

IBNS was founded in 1992 and encourages research and education in the field of behavioral neuroscience. The organization currently has members from 36 countries that have a background and interest in the relationship between brain and behavior.

“I have been a member of IBNS since its beginning and it has played a significant role in my professional development. Each year I try to take a few of my research students to this meeting and they always enjoy actually meeting the researchers they’ve read about in their textbooks,” said Lambert. “IBNS members conduct research targeting the nexus between brain and behavior processes and are uncovering important keys to unlocking the mysteries of mental illness. My goal as president will be to facilitate the dissemination of this knowledge to the public so more people can benefit from these valuable findings. Another passion I have is neuroscience education—it’s important to have students attending these conferences and presenting their work so they can begin to network and make informed decisions about their academic journeys and careers in neuroscience.”

Lambert is chair of the psychology department at R-MC and co-director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. Her research interests focus on behavior-induced neuroplasticity, specifically how chronic stress and parental experience alter behavioral and neurobiological responses. In March 2008 she released her second book, titled Lifting Depression: A Neuroscientist’s Hands-On Approach to Activating Your Brain’s Healing Power. It offers new evidence that our increasingly sedentary lifestyle is contributing to rising rates of depression in today’s society. Lambert found that the positive outcome of simple, goal-oriented activities—something she calls effort-driven rewards—help build up the brain’s defense against emotional letdown. The book is available on-line and at all major bookstores.