Dr. Greg Corso, chair of the Department of Psychology, welcomed everyone to the event and introduced Dr. Wesley White, professor of psychology, who talked about the history of the lab.

The renovation was made possible by a $250,000 grant from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences via the Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (KBRIN). Since becoming a member of KBRIN in 2002, MSU has received more than $5 million to strengthen programs in psychology, biology, and neuroscience.

Prior to the psychology department moving to Reed Hall in 2010 the neuroscience laboratories were located in Ginger Hall for nearly 40 years. Much of the research in recent years by Drs. Ilsun White and Wesley White has focused on the neurochemical and behavioral mechanisms mediating drug abuse, and has been funded by the National Institutes on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Mental Health. Dr. Ilsun White serves as the laboratory director.

In addition to enhancing the research infrastructure, the new facility will serve as a central core for the new Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience. While the emphasis of the new program will be on behavioral neuroscience, the program is interdisciplinary, and involves training and course work in multiple departments including psychology, biology, chemistry, mathematics as well as other areas related to the life and health sciences. This innovative program is the first and only undergraduate degree in neuroscience offered by a public institution in Kentucky.

According to Dr. Corso, “The lab fits in well with Dr. Andrews’ strategic plan. It will provide undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to become actively involved in cutting edge neuroscience research.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Dr. Nigel Cooper, KBRIN program director from the University of Louisville Medical School; Dr. Steven Ralston, MSU provost; Dr. Roger McNeil, dean, MSU College of Science; and Dr. Bruce Mattingly, KBRIN program coordinator and MSU professor emeritus of psychology.

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