Congratulations to Rithikaa for winning first place in the Nu Rho Psi Best Poster Presentation Award at the NEURON Conference, where her poster was selected from over 180 entries. Her project, titled "Differential Roles of LPO Glutamatergic and GABAergic Neurons in Modulating Cocaine Reward and Aversion: Implications for Cocaine Use Disorder," explored the opposing roles of distinct neuronal populations in cocaine-related behavior, offering new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying substance use disorders.

Rithikaa was mentored by former graduate student Jennifer Mejaes and supported by a dedicated team of students including Kamila Sayed, Pavan Yecham, and Allison Bernstein. The award recognized not only the quality of the research and presentation but also the presenter’s depth of knowledge and engagement with the scientific questions posed by the judges.

Great job Rithikaa and team!