’24-’25 Award Recipients

As we approach the close of the academic year and the deadline for this year’s Chapter of the Year & Outstanding Members of the Year (student, faculty) nominations, we’re celebrating our award recipients from last year!

Outstanding Student Member
Sofia Fraile, Florida International University

As an undergraduate student, she served as the Chapter President, a learning assistant in the Behavioral Neuroscience program, and a student representative for Voices in Organizing Change in Educational Systems, and has centered students in all aspects of their life: academic success, community belonging, service and outreach, and more. Her nominator said she “is a builder of programs, a mentor to many, and a visionary for what neuroscience education can be,” with an “unwavering commitment to neuroscience education, mentorship, and community engagement.” Fraile is a current PhD candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience at FIU, and continues to be active in the chapter in various ways. She writes of her undergraduate career and experience in Nu Rho Psi:

“Serving as Vice President and later President of the Delta of Florida chapter of Nu Rho Psi was one of the most rewarding parts of my undergraduate experience. Leading a record-breaking semester of 18 events, I worked with an incredible Executive Board to offer members diverse opportunities—ranging from neuroscience outreach at local elementary schools to a career spotlight talk with a medical research scientist and an interactive tour of a high-tech medical simulation center. Each event was intended to help members connect, learn, and grow both academically and professionally.

During my term, I also led the launch of several chapter-first initiatives: a Mentorship Program that pairs upperclassmen with underclassmen for goal-oriented skill building and academic/professional guidance; a points-based engagement system to fuel active participation; and vast recruitment efforts through strategic use of social media and participation at institutional events. Additionally, I collaborated with faculty to begin a tradition of awarding certificates to outstanding members by honoring contributions such as “Most Active Member” an “Exceptional Mentorship”. Lastly, I developed an interactive Notion website to centralize resources, announcements, and research opportunities—ensuring the chapter remains dynamic and accessible for future members. Nu Rho Psi shaped not only my passion for neuroscience but also my commitment to building strong, supportive academic communities.

I am deeply grateful for the mentorship, collaboration, and friendships I found through this organization. This Fall, I began a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience, carrying forward the leadership, organizational, and outreach skills I developed as part of Nu Rho Psi.”

Congratulations Sofia! It’s an honor to be part of your journey and recognize your embodiment of what it means to live out the values of Nu Rho Psi. Your dedication to the field of neuroscience, the development of budding neuroscientists, and community is truly outstanding!

Outstanding Faculty Member
Dr. Sarah Clark, Georgia State University

Dr. Sarah Clark, senior lecturer in Neuroscience and Associate Director of the Undergraduate Studies at Georgia State University, was selected as the 2024-2025 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year. Dr. Clark received her Bachelor’s of Science in Community Psychology from UNC – Charlotte, later pursuing a Ph.D. in Molecular Neuroscience at George Mason University. Before joining GSU’s faculty and continuing to her Ph.D., she worked in an inpatient psychiatric facility. Now, as a faculty member, her research specializations are cellular and molecular neuroscience, genetics, and developmental neuroscience investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal development and diversification. 

Both within and outside of the lab, Dr. Clark has a true dedication to students. At the time of her nomination, she was mentoring 18 undergraduates and post-baccalaureate researchers, as well as 3 graduate students, co-organized the Excellence in Inclusive Teaching Experience (ExITE) Workshop to create more engagement and foster inclusive learning environments, aided countless neuroscience students in utilizing their degree within health professions, and co-organizes the Neuroscience Institute Research Seminar Series.

Her nominator said “The students rave about her mentorship, and she know some of the smallest details about those she mentors. Dr. Clark is a pleasure to work with, and always steps up to create new courses or serve in roles where students are best served.”

Congratulations Dr. Clark, your dedication to the field of neuroscience and its newest professionals is truly exemplary!

Chapter of the Year
Lake Forest College (γ-IL)

Lake Forest College (γ-IL) was selected as the 2024-2025 Chapter of the Year. As one of our earliest chartered chapters, Lake Forest continues to support its students through a variety of events, such as Brain Awareness week concluding with the Robert Glassman symposium, featuring student researchers, several seminars, and unique ways to showcase the annual theme; Career Advancement spotlight sessions targeting professional development strategies; and continued mentorship between members. Additionally, they deepened the connection of Nu Rho Psi by fostering connections between members of the chapter from the undergraduate level to faculty and working professionals and continually inducting graduate and professional-level members; supported 50 neuroscience students to attend the 2024 SfN meeting, with nine poster presenters and two NRP leaders presenting; and created their Chapter Activity Grant-supported event “Demure Perspectives on Social Media” event, centering the annual theme on Social Media and the Brain!

We’re excited to share even more about the activities and members of the Lake Forest College with you, stay tuned! Stay up to date on their activities via their Facebook page “Neuroscience Department at Lake Forest College”.

Submit your nominations & applications by 11:59 PM Eastern on May 1. All applications and award information found: https://nurhopsi.org/Awards-and-Grants