Nancy Zahniser

Nancy R. Zahniser is a renowned neuroscientist and pharmacologist known for her significant contributions to the field of neuropharmacology. She is particularly recognized for her research on the dopamine transporter and its role in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and drug addiction.

Early Life and Education

Nancy Zahniser was born and raised in the United States. She pursued her undergraduate studies in biology and chemistry before moving on to earn her Ph.D. in pharmacology.

Career and Research

Zahniser started her career as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she conducted research on neurotransmitters and their receptors. She then joined the faculty of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where she has made significant contributions to the field of neuropharmacology.

Zahniser's research primarily focuses on the dopamine transporter, a protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of dopamine levels in the brain. Her work has provided valuable insights into how alterations in the function of this transporter can lead to neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and drug addiction.

In addition to her research, Zahniser has also made significant contributions to the field of pharmacology through her teaching and mentorship. She has trained numerous students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers in academia and industry.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Zahniser has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the field of pharmacology. These include the Julius Axelrod Award from the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) and the Bernard B. Brodie Award in Drug Metabolism.

See Also

• Neuropharmacology
• Dopamine transporter
• Parkinson's disease
• Drug addiction