UC Davis researcher recognized as an outstanding young neuroscientist

A. Kimberley McAllister, associate professor of neurology, has been named a Young Investigator of the Year by the Society for Neuroscience, the world's largest professional organization representing scientists and physicians dedicated to understanding the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.

McAllister, who is based at the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience and also holds an appointment as associate professor of neurobiology, physiology and behavior, is the first female scientist in a decade to be recognized for the prestigious award.

The honor is given to outstanding scholars who have been working for not more than 10 years since receiving their advanced professional degrees.

Using cutting-edge techniques, much of McAllister's work has focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of synapse formation in the developing cerebral cortex. That research has led to a recently submitted paper that explores the molecular basis for two neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia and autism.

“In my opinion, Kim is the brightest shining new star in developmental neuroscience,” said Leo Chalupa, professor of ophthalmology in the School of Medicine and chair of neurobiology in the College of Biological Sciences, who nominated McAllister for the award. “She is clearly at the top of her peer-group, and has demonstrated excellence in her academic pursuits as evidenced by the outstanding quality and creativity of her research and service.”

McAllister received her doctorate in neurobiology from Duke University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Salk Institute before arriving at UC Davis in 1999.

To date, McAllister has 25 publications, including a number of primary research papers and reviews. Colleagues say she has established a national reputation in the field of developmental neurobiology as evidenced by the grants she has received, yearly invitations to speak at national and international research meetings, and the annual neurobiology course she directs at the renowned Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York.

The Young Investigator of the Year award will be formally awarded during the Society for Neuroscience's annual conference this October in Atlanta.

Unfortunately, McAllister won't be there in person; she is expecting her second child at about the same time.

Chalupa noted McAllister's dedication to both research and family in his nomination letter to the organization.

“Kim represents the new generation of women scientists who manage to balance a true dedication and love of science with an equally strong commitment to her growing family,” wrote Chalupa. “She is an absolutely outstanding researcher and an excellent role model for women in science.”