Jesse Schank, an associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, is among 400 researchers named recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, or PECASE, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on science and engineering professors in the early stages of their research careers.
Schank’s research focuses on the intersection of stress and substance use. He and his team use animal models to explore the link between stress, anxiety and depression and the craving for alcohol.
One of his lab’s major projects centers on the neurokinin-1 receptor and the neurocircuitry it uses to mediate the impact of chronic stress on depression-like behavior and alcohol consumption. Additionally, the lab is conducting research that assess differences in alcohol consumption between the sexes and the mechanisms that drive consumption despite negative consequences.
“Dr. Schank’s selection for this extraordinarily prestigious honor reflects his longstanding commitment to finding solutions to one of society’s most urgent challenges,” said Lisa K. Nolan, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “We are incredibly proud of his work, and we are delighted that he is a vital member of the outstanding faculty at UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine.”
Schank’s research has been funded for several years by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, one of the National Institutes of Health.
“It’s nice to be recognized for the work conducted in my lab,” Schank said. “In science you deal with a lot of failures and rejections, so that makes awards like this even more gratifying. I know some other researchers who have won this award, and they are scientists that I really look up to, so to win this same award is exciting. I am also very appreciative of the excellent graduate students and other trainees that I have had in my lab over the years. They are the ones that really keep the lab going.”
A native of Fairfax, Va., Schank’s career in laboratory research began when he was an undergraduate at the University of Virginia. He earned his doctorate in neuroscience at Emory University, where he was mentored by David Weinshenker. He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in the lab of Markus Heilig.
Schank joined the faculty of the University of Georgia in 2014. In addition to leading his lab and mentoring graduate students, Schank serves as the graduate coordinator of the neuroscience doctoral program and teaches neuroanatomy at the graduate student level.
“Researchers, mentors and teachers like Jesse Schank contribute daily to the University of Georgia’s pursuit of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and service,” said UGA Provost S. Jack Hu. “We are pleased to celebrate his award and the knowledge that his research will add to the medical community’s understanding of alcohol addiction and its root causes.”
Established by President Clinton in 1996, PECASE recognizes scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers. The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, and highlights the importance of science and technology for the nation’s future.
