NORTH CHICAGO, ILL. (October 15, 2002) Francis J. White, Ph.D., has devoted more than 25 years to the study of psychology and pharmacology, the synthesis of these two disciplines being neuropsychopharmacology: the science of drug-behavior relationships. As Professor and Chair of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and the Director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory at Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School (FUHS/CMS), Dr. White has been instrumental in furthering the study of the neurobiology of dopamine systems. In honor of his outstanding work, Dr. White has been awarded a Method to Extend Research In Time (MERIT) Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for his research grant application entitled "Cocaine and Mesolimbic Dopamine Electrophysiology."

The objective of the MERIT program is to provide long-term support to investigators whose research competence and productivity are deemed "distinctly superior" and who are considered likely to continue to perform in an "outstanding manner." According to Glen R. Hanson, Ph.D., D.D.S., Acting Director of NIDA, "It is hoped that the provision of long-term, stable support will foster [Dr. White's] continued creativity and lessen administrative burdens associated with preparation and submission of regular research grant applications."

Upon receiving the award, Dr. White expressed gratitude and enthusiasm, saying that, "I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am. I am excited not just for myself, but also for my colleagues and team members, and Finch University as a whole. Recently, research programs throughout the Chicago Medical School have increased substantially and FUHS/CMS is truly 'on the map' in terms of cutting-edge medical research."

The implications of such an award are not lost on medical professionals who must dev
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Contact: Kathleen Peterson
petersonk@finchcms.edu
847-578-8344
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
15-Oct-2002