UC DAVIS M.I.N.D. INSTITUTE HOSTS DISTINGUISHED LECTURER SERIES FOR 2004

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — The UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute will host Geraldine Dawson, professor of psychology at the University of Washington in Seattle, on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the M.I.N.D. Institute, 2825 50th St., Sacramento, as the fifth speaker in its third annual Distinguished Lecturer Series.

Dawson is internationally recognized for her pioneering research on early diagnosis and brain function in autism and early biological risk factors for psychopathology. She will present two lectures. During her technical presentation at 4 p.m., Dawson will discuss new approaches to genetic research in autism, and how current models of social brain dysfunction may inform future studies in this area. During a 6 p.m. community-interest lecture, she will present new findings on dysfunction of social brain circuitry in autism, focusing on questions of neural plasticity and the role of experience. Both presentations are free and open to the public; no reservations are needed.

Dawson directs the University of Washington Autism Center, which conducts an NIH-funded multi-disciplinary research program on the neurobiology and genetics of autism and provides diagnostic, consultation and intervention services for children with autism and their families. She has published extensively, with over 125 scientific articles and chapters, and a number of edited or authored books, including Autism: Nature, Diagnosis and Treatment, and A Parent’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. Dawson has served on many national committees and task forces pertaining to child mental health, including NIH scientific review and consensus panels. Her honors include the Autism Society of America Award for Valuable Service, Autism Society of Washington Achievement Award for Outstanding Service and for Medical Professional of the Year, and the Autism Society of America Honoree for Research Contributions to the Autism Community.

Future speakers in this year’s Distinguished Lecturer Series are: Richard Davidson (Mar. 9), B.J. Casey (Apr. 13), Ralph Adolphs (May 11) and Ami Klin (June 8).

For more information about this and future lectures, visit the M.I.N.D. Institute’s Web site at http://www.mindinstitute.org/ or contact the institute at (916) 703-0280.

UC DAVIS M.I.N.D. INSTITUTE HOSTS DISTINGUISHED LECTURER SERIES FOR 2004 - 2005