Yasmin Hurd

Yasmin Hurd

Yasmin Hurd is a prominent neuroscientist and professor known for her research on the neurobiology of addiction and the effects of cannabis on the brain. She is currently the Director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

Early Life and Education

Yasmin Hurd was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States at a young age. She completed her undergraduate studies at Binghamton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She then pursued her PhD in Neuroscience at Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

Career

Hurd's career has been marked by significant contributions to the understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. She has held various academic and research positions, including a faculty position at the Karolinska Institute and later at Mount Sinai Health System.

Research Focus

Hurd's research primarily focuses on the impact of cannabis and other substances on the developing brain, as well as the neurobiological basis of addiction. Her work has provided critical insights into how early exposure to cannabis can affect brain development and increase the risk of addiction later in life.

Key Contributions

• **Cannabis Research**: Hurd has conducted extensive studies on the effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) on the brain. Her research has shown that CBD may have potential therapeutic benefits for treating addiction and other psychiatric disorders.
• **Addiction Studies**: Hurd's work has identified specific neural circuits and molecular pathways involved in addiction, contributing to the development of new treatment strategies.

Awards and Honors

Yasmin Hurd has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to neuroscience and addiction research, including:

• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Avant-Garde Award
• The Society for Neuroscience Jacob P. Waletzky Award

Personal Life

Hurd is an advocate for diversity in science and actively mentors young scientists from underrepresented backgrounds. She is also involved in various outreach programs aimed at educating the public about the science of addiction.

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Addiction
• Cannabis research
• Mount Sinai Health System